The Polish Ministry of National Defence (MoD) and Italian aerospace company Leonardo announced on Friday an agreement worth about 380 mln EUR for supply AW101 maritime multirole helicopters.

The long-awaited contract provides supply four AW101s and a comprehensive integrated logistics and training package to the Polish MoD.

PZL-Świdnik, acting as the prime contractor and responsible for the entire contract execution, was selected in a multi-stage process, meeting all the requirements of the Polish MoD, and will deliver and support the most capable maritime multirole helicopter available on the market today. The helicopter is already in service in some of the most important NATO nations among others. The Świdnik facility plays a significant role in the production of all the AW101s ordered worldwide.

With deliveries expected to be completed by 2022 the AW101 will perform a range of missions including Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR). This contract signing for the AW101s and the relevant support package follows the Offset Agreement, valued at approx. 400 mln PLN (90 mln EUR) recently announced.

The contract was signed today in the presence of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Poland Mateusz Morawiecki, the Polish Minister of National Defence Mariusz Błaszczak and Leonardo CEO Alessandro Profumo, during a ceremony at Leonardo’s facility in Świdnik.

Alessandro Profumo, Leonardo CEO, said, “We are proud that the Polish MoD has confirmed its trust in Leonardo as one of its key partners to collaborate on national defence, to support the modernization of the Armed Forces and boost technological and industrial growth. We are committed to further reinforcing our presence and contribution to Poland, one of Leonardo’s home countries where we see significant collaboration opportunities in the future.”

Gian Piero Cutillo, Leonardo Helicopters MD, added: “The supply of the best-in-class maritime AW101s will allow the Polish Navy to meet its rigorous requirements for the protection of national security in the Baltic Sea and for NATO operations. It will also enable life-saving missions in demanding conditions with second-to-none effectiveness, leveraging Leonardo’s leading role in the maritime helicopter field. Also, the broad scope of industrial collaboration under the Offset Agreement will guarantee secure and independent fleet management.”

To further consolidate its presence and develop its business in Poland, Leonardo is establishing a new legal entity headquartered in Warsaw. Leonardo Poland will represent and promote the entire technological and product portfolio. It will support the customer during the programs’ life cycle to develop partnerships with Polish industry, ensuring closeness to the customer and local stakeholders. Marco Lupo has been appointed President of Leonardo Poland, with the objective of tightening relations with Polish customers and stakeholders and reinforcing the already well-established position of Leonardo in the country.

According to Leonardo, AW101 is the most advanced, versatile and capable multi-role helicopter available today. As an evolution of the highly successful EH101 the AW101 delivers new capabilities, whilst building on customer operational experience gained in the Deep Water, Littoral and Land environments.

Designed for operations in the harshest climatic conditions the helicopter has proven itself in a wide range of operational theatres around the world.

With a common platform at its heart, AW101 provides customers with the capability to configure the helicopter for a wide range of primary and secondary roles with many configurations achieved through the use of modular role equipment.