Poland unveils plan to buy hello AW149 in a deal potentially worth more than $ 1 billion

ROME – Poland plans to buy AW149 helicopters, the defense ministry said on Monday, with an Italian bank estimating the order could be worth 1.1 billion euros ($ 1.15 billion) for manufacturer Leonardo.

“In the near future, we will sign contracts for the supply of mine destroyers … AW149 multi-role helicopters, two surveillance satellites and tank destroyers,” the ministry tweeted, citing Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak.

The Polish news portal Defence24 announced that the order will include 32 helicopters, and the installation will be carried out in Poland by PZL-Świdnik, which is controlled by Leonardo. It too reported Poland will acquire helicopters in three different forms: combat support; team; and intelligence and electronic warfare.

Italian brokerage Banca Akros estimated the value of the contract on Tuesday, which it said was equivalent to about 7.7% of Leonardo’s expected 2022 orders.

Launched in mid-range helicopter in 2006, AW149’s customers include Thailand and Egypt. Leonardo is currently marketing this type in the United Kingdom.

AW149 previously lost to Airbus H225M in an attempt to deliver helicopters to Poland; the purchase was eventually canceled.