PZL- Swidnik and the Polish Ministry of Defence signed a research and development phase contract in 2003 for a prototype W-3PL (Gluszec) helicopter, a modernised version of the Army’s existing helicopter. A second contract was signed in 2006 to upgrade four in service helicopters to W-3PL standard. PZL- Swidnik and the Polish Land Forces are now discussing the possiblility to modernize additional W-3 helicopters to the Gluszec standard.

The multi-role W-3PL Gluszec draws on knowledge gained from the Polish Air Brigade’s experiences on combat missions in Iraq. An in-depth modernization of all the helicopter’s systems was implemented to enhance its capabilities for a range of missions including troop transport, combat search and rescue (CSAR) and armed attack of ground targets.