Poland wants to buy 22 AW101 transport helicopters

The Polish Navy will receive the first of four AW101 helicopters this summer. The contract, worth more than $400 million, was signed four years ago. At the same time Poland wants to order more than 20 more helicopters.

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Poland's Ministry of Defense intends to purchase 22 AW101 transport helicopters for the Polish Air Force, which operates Mi-8 and Mi-17 aircraft from the Soviet era. Deliveries will start in 2025 and will take about 5-6 years.

The AW101 was developed by Westland Helicopters and Agusta. It was originally called EH101. The new designation was given to the helicopter seven years ago. This was after Westland Helicopters and Agusta merged into AgustaWestland and became part of Leonardo in 2016.

The AW101 can transport up to 30 people (or 16 wounded on a stretcher). Cruising range is over 1,000 km. The power plant is provided by three Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322-01/08 engines.