Polish AW149 helicopters successfully integrated with Hellfire missiles and guided rockets
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According to information published by Portal Obronny on June 18, 2025, the Polish-manufactured AW149 multi-role helicopter has achieved a major milestone with the full integration and live-fire testing of Hellfire anti-tank guided missiles and 70 mm rocket systems. This capability marks the restoration of guided missile armament to the Polish Army’s helicopter fleet, a capability lost years ago after the depletion of missile stocks for the aging Mi-24 fleet. PZL-Świdnik, the Polish aerospace manufacturer responsible for the domestic assembly of the AW149, confirmed that these advanced weapon systems are now factory-integrated and delivered as part of the helicopter’s standard configuration.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
In factory trials conducted jointly with the Polish Army at domestic training grounds, the AW149 demonstrated exceptional performance, achieving direct hits on 100% of test targets in varying firing configurations. (Picture source: Polish MoD)
The integration includes both unguided and laser-guided 70 mm rockets, providing flexible strike options across multiple engagement ranges. In factory trials conducted jointly with the Polish Army at domestic training grounds, the AW149 demonstrated exceptional performance, achieving direct hits on 100% of test targets in varying firing configurations. One of the highlights involved a Hellfire missile fired from the helicopter’s right pylon to strike a target located several dozen degrees off-axis to the left, showcasing the missile’s superior targeting and course correction capabilities. These successful test results confirm the combat readiness and precision strike capacity of the platform in both conventional and complex battlefield scenarios.
In parallel with armament integration, the AW149 program represents a major milestone in Poland’s domestic helicopter industry. The first AW149 produced entirely at PZL-Świdnik conducted its maiden flight on April 14, 2025, under the Acceptance Test Procedure to verify full compliance with Polish military specifications. Approximately 20 of the 32 helicopters ordered under the $1.85 billion contract will be assembled in Świdnik, reinforcing Poland’s autonomy in rotary-wing production and supporting a broader shift away from aging Soviet-era platforms such as the Mi-8, Mi-17, and Mi-24. The contract includes technology transfer and the establishment of a localized assembly line, enabling future modernization and sustainment operations to be conducted domestically.
The AW149 itself is a modern, medium-lift, multi-role military helicopter developed by Leonardo and derived from the AW139 platform. It features structural reinforcements for battlefield resilience and a modular configuration supporting missions such as troop transport, command and control, close air support, and reconnaissance. Powered by either two General Electric CT7-2E1 or Safran Aneto-1K engines, the helicopter achieves a top speed of 313 km/h, an operational range of 844 km, and a service ceiling of 4,600 meters.
It can carry up to 19 passengers or 16 fully equipped troops, and is also equipped with observation and targeting systems, defensive countermeasures, and internal 7.92 mm machine guns. The newly added capability to deploy 800 AGM-114R2 Hellfire II missiles provides the Polish military with a significant enhancement in anti-armor and precision strike operations.
The integration of these weapons systems into a domestically produced platform signifies a strategic evolution in Poland’s defense manufacturing sector. It reinforces national security objectives, reduces reliance on foreign suppliers, and ensures long-term operational independence for the Polish Armed Forces.
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{loadposition sidebarpub}
According to information published by Portal Obronny on June 18, 2025, the Polish-manufactured AW149 multi-role helicopter has achieved a major milestone with the full integration and live-fire testing of Hellfire anti-tank guided missiles and 70 mm rocket systems. This capability marks the restoration of guided missile armament to the Polish Army’s helicopter fleet, a capability lost years ago after the depletion of missile stocks for the aging Mi-24 fleet. PZL-Świdnik, the Polish aerospace manufacturer responsible for the domestic assembly of the AW149, confirmed that these advanced weapon systems are now factory-integrated and delivered as part of the helicopter’s standard configuration.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
In factory trials conducted jointly with the Polish Army at domestic training grounds, the AW149 demonstrated exceptional performance, achieving direct hits on 100% of test targets in varying firing configurations. (Picture source: Polish MoD)
The integration includes both unguided and laser-guided 70 mm rockets, providing flexible strike options across multiple engagement ranges. In factory trials conducted jointly with the Polish Army at domestic training grounds, the AW149 demonstrated exceptional performance, achieving direct hits on 100% of test targets in varying firing configurations. One of the highlights involved a Hellfire missile fired from the helicopter’s right pylon to strike a target located several dozen degrees off-axis to the left, showcasing the missile’s superior targeting and course correction capabilities. These successful test results confirm the combat readiness and precision strike capacity of the platform in both conventional and complex battlefield scenarios.
In parallel with armament integration, the AW149 program represents a major milestone in Poland’s domestic helicopter industry. The first AW149 produced entirely at PZL-Świdnik conducted its maiden flight on April 14, 2025, under the Acceptance Test Procedure to verify full compliance with Polish military specifications. Approximately 20 of the 32 helicopters ordered under the $1.85 billion contract will be assembled in Świdnik, reinforcing Poland’s autonomy in rotary-wing production and supporting a broader shift away from aging Soviet-era platforms such as the Mi-8, Mi-17, and Mi-24. The contract includes technology transfer and the establishment of a localized assembly line, enabling future modernization and sustainment operations to be conducted domestically.
The AW149 itself is a modern, medium-lift, multi-role military helicopter developed by Leonardo and derived from the AW139 platform. It features structural reinforcements for battlefield resilience and a modular configuration supporting missions such as troop transport, command and control, close air support, and reconnaissance. Powered by either two General Electric CT7-2E1 or Safran Aneto-1K engines, the helicopter achieves a top speed of 313 km/h, an operational range of 844 km, and a service ceiling of 4,600 meters.
It can carry up to 19 passengers or 16 fully equipped troops, and is also equipped with observation and targeting systems, defensive countermeasures, and internal 7.92 mm machine guns. The newly added capability to deploy 800 AGM-114R2 Hellfire II missiles provides the Polish military with a significant enhancement in anti-armor and precision strike operations.
The integration of these weapons systems into a domestically produced platform signifies a strategic evolution in Poland’s defense manufacturing sector. It reinforces national security objectives, reduces reliance on foreign suppliers, and ensures long-term operational independence for the Polish Armed Forces.
