Poland’s first locally produced Leonardo AW149 leaves assembly line to replace aging Soviet-era helicopters
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As reported by Wiktor Sawicki on February 27, 2025, the first AW149 helicopter has rolled off the assembly line in Świdnik, Poland, marking a milestone in the country’s military aviation industry. This follows Poland’s 2022 decision to procure 32 AW149 helicopters from the Italian company Leonardo, with production based at PZL Świdnik. Deliveries, which began in 2023, are set to continue through 2029 as part of a $1.85 billion (€1.76 billion) contract, the largest order for the AW149 to date.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
It is estimated that approximately 20 of the ordered AW149 helicopters will be assembled in Świdnik, strengthening Poland’s domestic helicopter production. (Picture source: Twitter/Wiktor Sawicki)
The AW149 production line in Świdnik officially opened in 2024, serving as a domestic logistics and technical support hub. The facility oversees systems integration, armament fittings, modernization efforts, and maintenance throughout the helicopters’ service life. It is estimated that approximately 20 of the ordered AW149 helicopters will be assembled in Świdnik, strengthening Poland’s domestic aerospace industry. Leonardo’s involvement in Polish helicopter production extends beyond the AW149, as the company previously secured a contract for four AW101 naval helicopters for the Polish Navy, also assembled at PZL Świdnik. This industrial investment aligns with Poland’s broader strategy of reducing reliance on Soviet-era platforms, as its helicopter fleet, which includes the Mi-8, Mi-17, Mi-24, and SH-2G, faces aging issues, with an average fleet age exceeding 30 years.
Poland’s decision to acquire the AW149 helicopters is linked to the Perkoz program, which aims to modernize the country’s rotary-wing fleet by replacing aging Soviet-era Mi-2 and W-3 Sokół helicopters. Initially, the Perkoz program sought to acquire 32 multi-role helicopters in three different variants: combat support, command, and reconnaissance/electronic warfare. However, in March 2021, the technical dialogue involving 12 contractors was suspended. The outbreak of war in Ukraine expedited Poland’s decision, leading to an urgent operational requirement that resulted in the AW149 contract in 2022. The helicopters are expected to be operated primarily by the 25th Air Cavalry Brigade, enhancing its transport, combat support, and reconnaissance capabilities.
Historically, Poland had considered multiple options for replacing its helicopter fleet. Previous plans included the 2015 selection of the Airbus H225M Caracal, which was ultimately canceled, followed by small-scale acquisitions of the Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk for special forces. The AW149 was previously proposed in tenders but only secured its place in Poland’s modernization efforts after an assessment of industrial and operational benefits. The contract also ensures that at least a portion of the helicopters will be built in Poland, reinforcing local aerospace capabilities.
The AW149 is a multi-role military helicopter with an 8,600 kg maximum takeoff weight, a 17.6-meter fuselage, and a 14.6-meter rotor diameter. Its development began in 2006 as a military derivative of the AW139, with its first flight occurring in 2009. It features structural reinforcements for military operations, advanced avionics, and modularity for multiple mission configurations. The helicopter has previously been exported to Thailand and Egypt, but Poland’s acquisition represents its largest commitment to date.
In terms of performance, the AW149 is powered by either two General Electric CT7-2E1 or two Safran Aneto-1K engines. It achieves a maximum speed of 313 km/h and an operational range of 844 km, with a service ceiling of 4,600 meters. The helicopter can carry up to 19 passengers or 16 fully equipped soldiers, with a standard military configuration of 12 soldiers and two gunners. It supports various mission profiles, including troop transport, reconnaissance, and close air support.
According to available information, the Polish AW149s will be equipped with observation and targeting systems, self-defense countermeasures, and multiple weapon configurations. Armament options include two 7.92 mm machine guns mounted internally, along with guided and unguided rockets and air-to-ground missiles of the same class as Hellfire. Depending on mission requirements, weapons can be installed inside the cabin or mounted externally. Additionally, Poland has secured 800 AGM-114R2 Hellfire II missiles to integrate with the fleet, enhancing its offensive capabilities.
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As reported by Wiktor Sawicki on February 27, 2025, the first AW149 helicopter has rolled off the assembly line in Świdnik, Poland, marking a milestone in the country’s military aviation industry. This follows Poland’s 2022 decision to procure 32 AW149 helicopters from the Italian company Leonardo, with production based at PZL Świdnik. Deliveries, which began in 2023, are set to continue through 2029 as part of a $1.85 billion (€1.76 billion) contract, the largest order for the AW149 to date.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
It is estimated that approximately 20 of the ordered AW149 helicopters will be assembled in Świdnik, strengthening Poland’s domestic helicopter production. (Picture source: Twitter/Wiktor Sawicki)
The AW149 production line in Świdnik officially opened in 2024, serving as a domestic logistics and technical support hub. The facility oversees systems integration, armament fittings, modernization efforts, and maintenance throughout the helicopters’ service life. It is estimated that approximately 20 of the ordered AW149 helicopters will be assembled in Świdnik, strengthening Poland’s domestic aerospace industry. Leonardo’s involvement in Polish helicopter production extends beyond the AW149, as the company previously secured a contract for four AW101 naval helicopters for the Polish Navy, also assembled at PZL Świdnik. This industrial investment aligns with Poland’s broader strategy of reducing reliance on Soviet-era platforms, as its helicopter fleet, which includes the Mi-8, Mi-17, Mi-24, and SH-2G, faces aging issues, with an average fleet age exceeding 30 years.
Poland’s decision to acquire the AW149 helicopters is linked to the Perkoz program, which aims to modernize the country’s rotary-wing fleet by replacing aging Soviet-era Mi-2 and W-3 Sokół helicopters. Initially, the Perkoz program sought to acquire 32 multi-role helicopters in three different variants: combat support, command, and reconnaissance/electronic warfare. However, in March 2021, the technical dialogue involving 12 contractors was suspended. The outbreak of war in Ukraine expedited Poland’s decision, leading to an urgent operational requirement that resulted in the AW149 contract in 2022. The helicopters are expected to be operated primarily by the 25th Air Cavalry Brigade, enhancing its transport, combat support, and reconnaissance capabilities.
Historically, Poland had considered multiple options for replacing its helicopter fleet. Previous plans included the 2015 selection of the Airbus H225M Caracal, which was ultimately canceled, followed by small-scale acquisitions of the Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk for special forces. The AW149 was previously proposed in tenders but only secured its place in Poland’s modernization efforts after an assessment of industrial and operational benefits. The contract also ensures that at least a portion of the helicopters will be built in Poland, reinforcing local aerospace capabilities.
The AW149 is a multi-role military helicopter with an 8,600 kg maximum takeoff weight, a 17.6-meter fuselage, and a 14.6-meter rotor diameter. Its development began in 2006 as a military derivative of the AW139, with its first flight occurring in 2009. It features structural reinforcements for military operations, advanced avionics, and modularity for multiple mission configurations. The helicopter has previously been exported to Thailand and Egypt, but Poland’s acquisition represents its largest commitment to date.
In terms of performance, the AW149 is powered by either two General Electric CT7-2E1 or two Safran Aneto-1K engines. It achieves a maximum speed of 313 km/h and an operational range of 844 km, with a service ceiling of 4,600 meters. The helicopter can carry up to 19 passengers or 16 fully equipped soldiers, with a standard military configuration of 12 soldiers and two gunners. It supports various mission profiles, including troop transport, reconnaissance, and close air support.
According to available information, the Polish AW149s will be equipped with observation and targeting systems, self-defense countermeasures, and multiple weapon configurations. Armament options include two 7.92 mm machine guns mounted internally, along with guided and unguided rockets and air-to-ground missiles of the same class as Hellfire. Depending on mission requirements, weapons can be installed inside the cabin or mounted externally. Additionally, Poland has secured 800 AGM-114R2 Hellfire II missiles to integrate with the fleet, enhancing its offensive capabilities.
