Under the 2022 contract for 32 AW149 helicopters—including logistics, training, and simulator packages—PZL-Świdnik S.A. was required to establish an AW149 production line at its Świdnik facility.
The helicopter unveiled today is the eleventh aircraft delivered under the agreement and the first manufactured entirely in Świdnik. Thanks to the new production line, another 21 AW149s will join the Polish Armed Forces by 2029.
The helicopters ordered—configured to meet the needs of the Polish Armed Forces—are equipped with a wide range of mission systems, which can be installed inside the cabin or on external hardpoints depending on operational requirements.
Quotes
“It is always a great moment when new equipment enters service with the Polish Army. Today, the first AW149 helicopter produced in Poland at PZL Świdnik is being delivered to the 25th Air Cavalry Brigade. It is a very good, well-equipped helicopter, and it is made in Poland. This shows that the military needs continuity—ongoing upgrades and long-term transformation. Such changes cannot be completed in a single year or a single term of office. Orders placed today will often be fulfilled over several years. What works well should be continued and improved, not overturned. That is my guiding principle,” said the Deputy Prime Minister at the 25th Air Cavalry Brigade.
“I will continue good projects. The AW149 is a new, multi-role helicopter. It is developed with our Italian allies and now also produced in Poland. The first ten helicopters out of 32 arrived from Italy, but the remaining 22—including the one presented today—will be built in Świdnik. Its tasks include battlefield support, medical evacuation, airborne assault, transport, and logistics. It is well equipped with modern observation, communication, and weapons systems,” the minister said during his visit.
“As I have said before, I will continue good projects for the Polish military and launch new ones, such as yesterday’s ORKA programme. (…) I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this success—pilots, ground crews, and the command of the 25th Air Cavalry Brigade. Receiving new equipment is very important, but preparing the personnel who will operate it is equally important,” the Deputy Prime Minister added.
AW149 helicopter
The Leonardo AW149 is a modern, medium, multi-role military helicopter designed to deliver high performance, strong survivability, and mission flexibility. It combines advanced avionics, sensors, and weapons with excellent safety and flight characteristics.
It can be used for transport, close air support, combat and maritime search and rescue, and as an airborne command post.