Poland receives first AW101 anti-submarine helicopter
The four AW101s will replace Poland's ageing Mi-14 helicopters. (Photo: PZL Świdnik)
Leonardo has delivered the first of four AW101 Merlin maritime helicopters to Poland.
The AW101 Merlin helicopters will now undergo final tests and acceptances at the PZL Świdnik (a fully owned subsidiary of Leonardo) plant before final transfer to the Polish Navy.
In April 2019, Poland signed a contract for four AW101 helicopters for $430 million.
Originally, the Polish Navy planned to acquire eight AW101s to replace its ageing Mi-14 helicopters currently operated from Darłowo air base. This number was reduced to four in 2018, postponing the purchase of the other four.
These helicopters will be deployed in the Polish Navy, and they will be assigned to anti-submarine roles. However, when purchasing a new platform, Poland sought a multi-role helicopter.
The AW101s are also equipped with combat search and rescue (CSAR) module, which means that they can also perform search and rescue missions.
The AW101 is outfitted with a low-workload, NVG-compatible glass cockpit and fully integrated communications, navigation, avionics and flight and mission management systems.
With the largest cabin in its class, the AW101 is able to carry up to 30 passengers and can be arranged in a variety of configurations to meet customer requirements.
All four helicopters are expected to be delivered by the end of 2023 to the Polish Navy.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![Spanish Air Force receives first converted A330 MRTT]()
Spanish Air Force receives first converted A330 MRTT
The second and third Airbus A330 MRTT for the Spanish Air Force have been undergoing conversion in Getafe, Madrid.
-
![Indonesia commits to further collaboration with Turkey, eyes Kaan jet and MILDEN programmes]()
Indonesia commits to further collaboration with Turkey, eyes Kaan jet and MILDEN programmes
The two countries have already signed defence industrial partnerships in recent years, most recently between Republikorp and Turkish firm Baykar in February 2025.
-
![Australia approved for $1 billion order of AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles]()
Australia approved for $1 billion order of AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles
The greenlight by the US State Department for up to 400 missiles reinforces the need for increased solid rocket motor (SRM) production and highlights the reason Australia wants to develop a local missile capability.
-
![L3Harris moves forward with aerial, CUAS & software solutions]()
L3Harris moves forward with aerial, CUAS & software solutions
L3Harris Technologies is investing in new systems and software for maritime operations and modernising the US Navy’s fleet of MPAs
-
![Wedgetail rising as the aircraft continues to prove itself and wins fans]()
Wedgetail rising as the aircraft continues to prove itself and wins fans
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) was the lead customer for the E-7 Wedgetail airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft and the platform has been ordered by several countries with platforms ordered by the UK, with the US and NATO also selecting the platform.
