Poland Seeks Expanded AW Helicopter Contracts to Strengthen Defense Capabilities
Poland continues to expand its helicopter program, with Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announcing at the PZL-Świdnik aviation plant that a new contract for the AW-101 family is being pursued. The plan envisions a fleet of about 20 AW-101s, reinforcing the country’s multi-role helicopter capabilities and signaling a broader strategy to modernize the armed forces.
Morawiecki noted that the Świdnik facility has already added around 500 jobs, contributing to both the expansion of the local economy and the modernization of Poland’s military industrial base. He framed the effort as a combination of a stronger army and meaningful employment opportunities, underscoring the dual benefits of the new orders.
During the visit, the Prime Minister also praised ongoing work on the AW-149 program, indicating that a total of 32 examples have been or will be procured. He emphasized the importance of securing additional orders and explained that the 20 to 21 additional AW-101 units would further diversify and strengthen Poland’s rotary-wing capabilities. The goal, according to Morawiecki, is to ensure that the Polish army has access to multi-role, modern helicopters that can perform a wide range of missions.
In a discussion about future procurement, Morawiecki stated his commitment to concluding the AW-101 contract, stressing its strategic importance for Poland’s defense posture and autonomy in arms production. He highlighted the need for weapons that are both effective and as domestically sourced as possible, while acknowledging the role of international collaboration in manufacturing excellence.
Morawiecki also reflected on the broader trajectory of Poland’s armed forces reconstruction. He recalled that several years ago the country’s military manpower stood at about 95,000 soldiers, and that today it exceeds 170,000. He attributed the accelerated growth to sustained investment in domestic weapons plants, contrasting this with the perceived stagnation of prior administrations and their approach to Poland’s defense industry. He suggested that past policies inadvertently hindered the development of a robust arms sector.
Turning to regional security concerns, Morawiecki commented on the border barrier project with Belarus. He described the barrier as a protective measure for residents in regions such as Lublin, Podlasie, and Mazovia, and argued that it serves to distance Poland from what he called an unsound defense doctrine along the Vistula Line. He asserted that rebuilding a strong military presence is a current priority for the state.
The involvement of the Leonardo Group, the parent company of PZL-Świdnik, is highlighted in discussions of the aviation, space, and security sectors. PZL-Świdnik is presented as a key producer of both the AW-101 and AW-149 helicopter families, underscoring Poland’s role in advanced rotorcraft manufacturing. In 2019, a Ministry of National Defense contract supported the Navy with four AW-101 helicopters designed for anti-submarine missions, with extended capabilities for medical transport and search-and-rescue operations. The force expects these aircraft to become operational in the near term. More recently, July marked a purchase of 32 AW-149 multi-purpose helicopters, illustrating a continued push to diversify and modernize rotorcraft inventory.
Analysts and observers note that the Polish defense modernization program aligns with broader regional trends toward enhanced air mobility and rapid reaction capabilities. While the focus here is on Poland, the developments offer potential implications for allied defense suppliers in North America, including Canada and the United States, as manufacturers explore cross-border opportunities and joint ventures in line with shared security interests. The ongoing investments at Świdnik and related facilities are contributing to a more capable and domestically anchored defense industrial base, with international partnerships that strengthen production, training, and maintenance ecosystems. The latest contracts signal a clear intent to maintain momentum in the rotorcraft sector and to align production capacity with growing demand for versatile, ready-to-deploy helicopters. Source: wPolityce
Additional context from government briefings indicates a commitment to sustaining robust defense investments irrespective of political cycles. The aim is to ensure Poland remains capable of meeting both current and future security requirements while fostering a resilient arms industry capable of supplying the armed forces and providing skilled employment across the country. This approach is presented as an important step toward reinforcing Poland’s strategic autonomy in defense manufacturing and procurement.
Note: This summary reflects statements and plans announced during official briefings and public appearances related to Poland’s defense procurement programs.