The Ministry of Defense of Poland made official today (01) the purchase of 32 Leonardo AW149 helicopters. The contract, signed with PZL-Świdnik, Leonardo's representative in Poland, is valued at 8,25 billion Polish Zlotys (approximately 1,76 billion euros).
Poland had already selected the AW149 still in June. The Italian model is being acquired by the Perkoz Program, which aims to replace Mil Mi-2 Hoplite and Mi-8/17 Hip helicopters, manufactured in the Soviet Union. According to the portal Flightglobal, Poland operates 44 of these former helicopters.
The contract was announced this Friday during an official ceremony held at the premises of PZL-Świdnik, in the presence of representatives of the Polish government. The deal includes logistics, training and simulator packages.
The logistical package includes a stock of spare parts and consumables, as well as equipment to assist in moving the helicopters on the ground, such as tow bars. The training and simulator package includes instruction for pilots and technical personnel, delivery of a suite of advanced simulators and other training tools.
PZL-Świdnik will have a local production line for these new helicopters. Leonardo will therefore make further investments in its Polish facilities, in addition to the approximately €1 billion already invested since 2010, which, according to the Italian company, have significantly strengthened PZL's competitiveness and industrial capabilities.
“The contract signed today is a continuation of our commitment to Poland regarding the development of local helicopter factories and the supply chain for the benefit of Polish industry”, said Alessandro Profumo, CEO of Leonardo.
“By reinforcing our position in the country's strategic market as a supplier of modern defense technology, we are proud to contribute to Poland's steady increase in security and to the strengthening of industrial capabilities that are key to the country's resilience and sovereignty. ”
The AW149 is a medium-sized helicopter capable of carrying up to 19 engers or 16 fully equipped soldiers. Constructed with composite materials, it is among Leonardo's newest military designs. Its cabin can be quickly reconfigured for troop transport, cargo, search and rescue, armed escort and medevac missions.
The AW149 can also receive armaments in the form of cannons, rockets and air-to-air/air-to-ground missiles. The model has been acquired by Egypt, Thailand, Italy and is being offered as a replacement for the UK's Puma HC.2 helicopters.
