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Poland Enhances Special Forces Capabilities with New S-70i Black Hawk Helicopters.
On November 19, 2024, Deputy Minister Paweł Bejda announced on his X account the successful delivery of new S-70i Black Hawk helicopters to the Polish Special Forces. This development is a key milestone in Poland’s ambitious defense modernization initiative, highlighting its commitment to strengthening its capabilities amid a broader rearmament trend in Europe.
PZL Mielec delivers eight S-70i Black Hawk helicopters to the Polish Special Forces. (Picture source: Polish MoD)
Poland has now completed the delivery of eight S-70i Black Hawk helicopters manufactured by PZL Mielec, the Polish subsidiary of Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin. This initiative began in 2019 with an initial contract worth PLN 683 million for four helicopters, delivered the same year. The agreement included an option for four additional units, activated in 2021 under a follow-up contract valued at PLN 666 million.
Two of these additional helicopters were delivered in 2023, while the final two have just been handed over to the Polish Special Forces. This recent delivery concludes the contracts from 2019 and 2021, ensuring that the Special Forces now have a robust fleet of eight S-70i helicopters, renowned for their versatility and reliability in combat and support missions.
The Black Hawks are part of a broader strategy to enhance Poland’s aerial capabilities. Simultaneously, the Polish Army is receiving AW149 helicopters, ordered in 2022 under a contract for 32 units, with deliveries expected to be completed by 2029. These medium multi-role transport helicopters will be utilized for various missions, including troop transport and search-and-rescue operations.
The S-70i Black Hawk, designed for both military and civilian missions, is produced by PZL Mielec, a subsidiary of Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin. It features advanced avionics and digital flight controls, with a fully integrated cockpit comprising four multifunction displays for enhanced situational awareness. Powered by two T700-GE-701D engines, it offers excellent performance with a cruising speed of approximately 280 km/h and a range of up to 460 km with a standard fuel tank.
Its corrosion-resistant structure ensures reliability in harsh environments. The spacious cabin accommodates up to 13 passengers or mission-specific payloads, with optional configurations for medical evacuation, search-and-rescue, or troop transport. Additionally, the S-70i is equipped with crash-resistant seating, ballistic-tolerant fuel systems, and optional armor for improved survivability in combat operations.
Meanwhile, the Polish Navy has acquired four AW101 helicopters specifically configured for anti-submarine warfare. These heavy transport helicopters provide unique maritime capabilities to Poland’s expanding fleet.
Despite these significant acquisitions, Poland’s inventory of heavy transport helicopters remains a notable gap. Discussions about acquiring the CH-47F Chinook, a heavy-lift helicopter manufactured by Boeing, continue to gain momentum. With its proven capabilities and NATO interoperability, the Chinook is considered a prime candidate to fill this void.
The need for heavy transport helicopters became evident during recent relief efforts following Storm Boris, which caused widespread flooding across the country. The absence of a platform like the Chinook hindered efforts to deliver essential supplies and equipment to inaccessible areas affected by the disaster.
Poland’s modernization of its helicopter fleet underscores its commitment to building a robust and versatile military capable of addressing both conventional and asymmetric threats. Integrating Black Hawk, AW149, AW101, and potentially CH-47F Chinook helicopters positions Poland as a key NATO member with enhanced logistical and operational capabilities to meet future challenges, both domestically and internationally.