First domestically built AW149 helicopter joins Polish fleet
On 27 November 2025, the PZL‑Świdnik plant in Świdnik formally handed over the first fully Polish-built Leonardo AW149 helicopter to the 25th Air Cavalry Brigade of the Polish Armed Forces. This milestone marks the eleventh delivery under the 2022 contract for 32 AW149s and the first produced on the newly established domestic production line.
- First domestically built AW149 helicopter joins Polish fleet
- Domestic production — Strategic shift for Poland’s rotary-wing fleet
- AW149: Capabilities and role within Polish Air Cavalry
- Firepower restored — Hellfire missiles and rockets integration
- Industrial and strategic implications for Poland
- What’s next: Implementation, fleet expansion and broader effects
The handover ceremony took place at the 7th Aviation Squadron within the 25th Air Cavalry Brigade’s base at Nowy Glinnik — officially bringing into service Poland’s first AW149 entirely assembled in-country.
Domestic production — Strategic shift for Poland’s rotary-wing fleet
The decision to localize AW149 production reflects more than simple acquisition: it is a strategic investment in Poland’s defense industrial base. Under the deal signed on 1 July 2022, the Polish government committed some 8.25 billion złoty (around €1.95 billion / about $1.85 billion) for 32 AW149 helicopters.
In June 2024, PZL-Świdnik officially opened a production line dedicated to AW149 assembly — a joint effort with Italian parent company Leonardo. Under the agreement, roughly 20 of the 32 helicopters are to be assembled in Poland, the remainder having been produced in Italy to meet early delivery timelines.
This industrial move aligns with Warsaw’s broader efforts to reduce reliance on aging Soviet-era rotorcraft such as the Mil Mi-8, Mil Mi-17, Mil Mi-24, Mil Mi-2, W-3 Sokół, and SH-2G Super Seasprite. Many of those have had service lives spanning over three decades.
AW149: Capabilities and role within Polish Air Cavalry
The AW149 is a medium-class multirole military helicopter developed by Leonardo, derived from the AW139.
- Performance: Max takeoff weight of 8,600 kg; top speed roughly 313 km/h; operational range between 844–1,009 km depending on configuration; service ceiling around 4,600 m.
- Capacity: Carries up to 19 lightly equipped passengers or 16 fully equipped troops; standard military configuration supports 12 soldiers plus two gunners; cabin reconfigurable for medical evacuation or command and control roles.
- Mission versatility: Transport, troop insertion, combat-support, reconnaissance, search and rescue (SAR / CSAR), maritime missions, and armed support.
For Poland, AW149s will serve as a core rotorcraft for the 25th Air Cavalry Brigade — replacing older platforms and dramatically increasing mobility and tactical flexibility.
Firepower restored — Hellfire missiles and rockets integration
A major feature of the Polish AW149 configuration is the integration of anti-tank guided missiles and rocket systems. As confirmed by the manufacturer and Polish defense sources, the AW149s are factory-fitted for 70 mm rockets and AGM-114R2 Hellfire II air-to-ground missiles.
This restores a capability that was lost when missile stocks for legacy helicopters such as the Mi-24 were depleted. Live-fire tests reportedly succeeded in engaging targets under varied geometries, including cross-deck firing scenarios — demonstrating the helicopter’s combat readiness.
In addition to heavy armament, the AW149 features observation and targeting systems, electro-optical sensors, night-vision compatible cockpit, encrypted communication and data-links, self-defense countermeasures, and mission suites for reconnaissance or command roles — ensuring interoperability with NATO standards.
Industrial and strategic implications for Poland
The introduction of a fully Polish-built AW149 marks a major step for the domestic aerospace industry. PZL-Świdnik — part of Leonardo — is now more than a service provider: it’s a strategic industrial partner capable of producing, integrating, arming, maintaining, and eventually upgrading advanced military helicopters.
With an estimated capacity to assemble up to 10 AW149s per year, the facility is well-positioned to fulfill the remaining order through 2029. MILMAG+1 This strengthens Poland’s long-term supply chain resilience and reduces dependency on external suppliers — an important advantage given current geopolitical tensions in Europe.
Furthermore, the capability to locally maintain, modernize, and support the fleet ensures operational independence and faster turnaround for upgrades or repairs — a key asset during high operational tempo or crisis scenarios.
What’s next: Implementation, fleet expansion and broader effects
Poland is expected to continue rolling out domestically built AW149 helicopters to fulfill the full 32-aircraft contract by 2029. As more units enter service, the 25th Air Cavalry Brigade’s mobility, strike, and support capabilities will increase substantially.
Beyond immediate operational benefits, this programme could serve as a template for future localization of other defence platforms — helping Poland develop a robust defence-industrial base capable of export-oriented production, maintenance, and upgrades.
As the AW149 fleet matures, attention will likely shift to deployment strategies, integration with other force elements, and potential expansions of role — including more advanced mission modules, electronic warfare, or medevac capabilities.
