WARSAW, 9 JUNE – The Polish government has officially cancelled its plan to procure 32 Black Hawk S-70i helicopters from PZL Mielec, a subsidiary of Sikorsky under Lockheed Martin. The move marks a shift in military aviation priorities aligned with strategic needs.
The decision was confirmed by the Polish Ministry of Defence (MON) during a press briefing on 6 June 2025 in Warsaw, where several top military officials elaborated on the rationale behind the cancellation.
- Poland cancels procurement of 32 S-70i Black Hawk helicopters.
- New helicopter priorities focus on SAR, naval and special ops platforms.
- Decision linked to changing threat environment and military needs.
Review of needs, not a broken contract
During the press conference at the Military Centre for Civic Education in Warsaw on 6 June, Deputy Minister of Defence Paweł Bejda clarified that no official contract was ever signed. The procurement procedure had been concluded, and shifting geopolitical considerations, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, contributed to the decision.
“There is nothing to terminate if no contract was ever signed. We are simply reorganising priorities,” said Bejda as reporterd by Polish media.
He explained that the Agency of Armaments is currently managing over 400 signed contracts worth more than 560 billion złoty (approximately RM621 billion), alongside 120 additional procurement procedures still under negotiation.
According to Bejda, Poland’s new procurement direction is focused on capabilities relevant to NATO operations and regional security needs, with advice from the General Staff, air force specialists and analysts.
Realignment towards SAR and special operations
Chief of the General Staff, General Wiesław Kukuła, highlighted the Polish Armed Forces’ revised Development Programme 2025–2039. Under the new roadmap, the priority is no longer to expand the current utility helicopter fleet with Black Hawks, but instead to invest in role-specific platforms.
These include training and combat helicopters, naval multi-role helicopters, heavy transport helicopters for ground forces, and search-and-rescue (SAR) helicopters. The plan also includes future acquisitions for special operations, such as light support helicopters and versatile airframes tailored to unconventional missions.
“We are aligning our helicopter force structure with the battlefield of tomorrow,” said Gen. Kukuła.
He noted that Poland will soon introduce F-35s and AH-64 Apaches, as well as bring into service the Miecznik frigates and other ongoing air fleet upgrades.
Mixed responses and political fallout
The cancellation drew strong criticism from former Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak. In a public statement, he accused the current government of derailing key modernisation plans initiated under the previous administration.
“They cancelled the tender for 32 Black Hawks. This follows delays in artillery, HIMARS, and K2 tank procurement. This government is dismantling Poland’s defence,” Błaszczak said on social media.
Critics also raised concerns over the potential loss of jobs at PZL Mielec and the broader economic impact. Black Hawk helicopters are already in service within the Polish military, and the decision could affect interoperability and long-term sustainment plans.
Despite these criticisms, the Ministry insists the updated procurement strategy is necessary for ensuring efficient resource allocation and capability relevance in future joint and independent operations. – airtimes.my
