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PZL-Świdnik €1.76 Billion for Polish AW149 Order

32 Helicopters for Delivery 2023-2029

PZL-Świdnik, a Leonardo company, has been awarded a contract, valued at PLN8.25 billion (€1.76 billion) for 32 AW149 multirole helicopters, the company announced on 1 July.

The contract includes logistics (spares, consumables and ground handling equipment), training and simulator packages. Missions foreseen include troop transport and air support, with onboard equipment also lending itself to CASEVAC, CSAR and utility transport tasking. The aircraft configuration will also observation systems, small arms, guided/unguided rockets and missiles and self-defence systems, with helicopter delivery to take place between 2023-2029.

As prime contractor, PZL-Świdnik will host a local production line, so Leonardo will undertake further investments in its Polish facility, in addition to the approximately €1 billion invested since 2010, which has significantly strengthened the competitiveness and industrial capabilities of PZL-Świdnik. This provides an important contribution to the Polish aerospace and defence industry, which will enable domestic production, the establishment of a logistic base and thorough technical support for the Polish MoD’s AW149s, in line with Leonardo and PZL-Świdnik’s commitment to deliver industrial benefits to Poland.

The AW149, already in service and under evaluation with multiple international operators, is ideally suited for the modernisation of military helicopter fleets and the replacement of a range of ageing types in the medium weight category. It is a latest-generation multirole military helicopter, designed from the outset to meet the most demanding needs of armed forces. The platform can be reconfigured to conduct a wide variety of demanding tasks in the toughest operational conditions. Its advanced equipment, weapons and system technologies, combined with its agility, range, endurance and high power margins, highest levels of safety and survivability, provide defence users with high operational availability, mission effectiveness and fleet cost efficiency.

Alessandro Profumo, Leonardo CEO, stated: “The contract signed today is a continuation of the fulfillment of our promises to Poland regarding Leonardo’s commitment to the development of the local helicopter plants and the Polish supply chain to the benefit of Polish industry. By strengthening our position in the strategic Polish market, as a supplier of modern defence technology, we are proud to contribute to the constant increase of the security of the Polish nation, and to strengthen the industrial capabilities, which are fundamental to the country’s resilience and sovereignty.

Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters, added: “The state-of-the-art AW149 helicopter represents a quantum leap forward in true multirole mission and growth capability, efficient fleet management and emergency responsiveness for modern armed forces. The localisation of industrial and logistical capabilities for these new helicopters to meet Poland’s needs, leverage the long established and unique capabilities of PZL-Świdnik and its professional skills combined with the outstanding operational capabilities of the AW149 will deliver unparalleled advantages to the country.

Jacek Libucha, President of PZL-Świdnik, observed: “With complete capabilities in helicopter design, development, customisation and servicing, PZL-Świdnik confirms its leadership and the continuation of its 70-year heritage through the setting of key milestones for our aviation industry. I know PZL-Świdnik’s helicopters and their great capabilities well as a former military officer with experience in country and abroad […] Being today on the industrial side of this experience, serving the present and future generation of soldiers as a manufacturer, I have an even greater sense of fulfillment of my duties. I am convinced that the AW149 will meet the Armed Forces’ high-end needs.

An AW149 in flight over Poland. (Polish MoD)

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Publish date

07/04/2022

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