Poland’s 25th Air Cavalry Brigade has received its first AW149 helicopter built at the PZL‑Świdnik plant, marking a key milestone in its effort to modernize a Soviet‑era helicopter fleet.
On November 27, during a handover ceremony at the 7th Aviation Squadron, Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak‑Kamysz officially accepted the first of an expected 32 aircraft under a 2022 contract.
This particular helicopter is the 11th in the run but the first fully manufactured in Poland, reflecting both operational needs and a strategic push for domestic aerospace capability.
Configured to meet Polish Armed Forces requirements, the AW149 is set to replace aging helicopters such as the Mi‑8, Mi‑17, Mi‑24 and older platforms.
Its modular cabin and capability to install systems for transport, medical evacuation, close support, reconnaissance, and combat logistics allows the helicopter to tackle a broad set of missions. These include troop and cargo transport to armed support and reconnaissance.
AW149 Helicopter’s Global Role
Developed from the civil‑to‑military derivative of the AW139, the AW149 is a medium‑lift, multi‑role military helicopter featuring twin turboprop engines, a crew capacity of two pilots plus 16 fully equipped troops, and a maximum take‑off weight of around 8,600 kilograms (19,000 pounds).
It offers a top speed of around 310 kilometers (192 miles) per hour and a range suited to a variety of tactical and support missions.
Among its current military operators is Thailand, which was one of the first export customers, acquiring five AW149s for troop transport and utility roles, particularly relevant given the country’s challenging terrain and need for flexible troop mobility.
Egypt also ordered a batch of AW149 helicopters for maritime and utility roles.
