Poland moves forward with procurement of 22 AW101 heavy helicopters

The Polish Ministry of Defense begins negotiations with PZL Świdnik (a subsidiary of Leonardo Helicopters) on the future purchase of 22 AW101 heavy helicopters for the Armed Forces.

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#AgencjaUzbrojenia wysłała dziś do PZL Świdnik zaproszenie do negocjacji ws. pozyskania 22 nowych wielozadaniowych śmigłowców #AW101. Śmigłowce uzupełnią już zakupione 32 #AW149. pic.twitter.com/Bb5Goz46Ha

— Agencja Uzbrojenia (@AgencjaUzbr) August 10, 2023

The Armaments Agency, an organism under the Polish Ministry of Defense, announced that it sent today an invitation to PZL Świdnik to negotiate the acquisition of 22 new AW101 multipurpose helicopters. The helicopters will complement the 32 AW149s already purchased.

Polish Minister of National Defense Mariusz Błaszczak announced on his social networks that the new 22 AW101 helicopters will replace older aircraft inherited from the Soviet era that still remain in service, such as the Mi-8 and Mi-17.

Kolejna dobra wiadomość dla Wojsk Aeromobilnych. Wysłaliśmy dziś zaproszenie do negocjacji na dostawę 22 wielozadaniowych śmigłowców #AW101, które niebawem zastąpią poradzieckie konstrukcje. pic.twitter.com/BYq6k5C2oe

— Mariusz Błaszczak (@mblaszczak) August 10, 2023

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The Navy is currently the first operator of the AW101 in Poland, having acquired four units configured to perform Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) missions.

Complete renewal of the AirMobile Forces

This future acquisition of 22 AW101 heavy helicopters adds to the purchase of 32 AW149 medium helicopters from Leonardo, as well as the expansion of its fleet of S-70i Black Hawk helicopters (probably more than 20 units) and the request for the acquisition of no less than 96 AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters for the Army.

See also: Poland confirmed purchase of Hellfire missiles for AW149 and AH-64E Apache helicopters

A true endeavor to renew the Polish helicopter fleet, according to the latest Western standards and full NATO compatibility.