Are four new AW101 helicopters enough for the Navy? Time for another tranche

Polish Navy The Polish Republic is preparing to introduce four modern helicopters into service AW101. However, can such a modest number of units protect Poland's defence needs in the Baltic? In the face of growing challenges, this question is becoming more and more pressing, and the lack of further purchases may be a serious mistake.

In April 2019, during the ceremony at PZL-Świdnik S.A., Minister of Defence Mariusz Błaszczak signed a contract to purchase four Leonardo helicopters AW101 for the Navy Air Force. The Italian manufacturer, Leonardo, has undertaken to supply machines with an integrated logistics and training package for PLN 1.65 billion (EUR 380 million). Although these modern helicopters are about to enter service, their number raises questions as to whether Polish Navy The Polish Republic will be able to effectively secure its operational needs.

Currently Polish Navy RP only has four helicopters AW101which are in the final phase of preparation for full operationality. Although they are planned to be put into service for this year, the fact that such a number of individuals is far from optimal cannot be overlooked. During its great years, the 44th Naval Aviation Base in Darłów had 14 machines. Shippers AW101 are to replace part of the currently used age Mi-14PL. Compared to those times, the current four helicopters seem merely a substitute for the force needed to meet the modern defence challenges in the Baltic.

Experts indicate that in order to fully safeguard the needs of the Polish Navy, it is necessary to have at least 12 helicopters of this type. This number would not only allow better coverage of operational tasks, but would also increase flexibility and preparedness to respond to various threats. These helicopters, operating from a base on land, could effectively support maritime activities, including future frigateS OF THE MEASURANT. Increase AW101 would allow more efficient use of their capabilities in the activities of the ZOP and other operations at sea.

Current helicopters AW101 have a side door, which may limit their ability to operate with a frigate. Subsequent contracts should therefore take these aspects into account in order to ensure maximum operational performance under different conditions. It is worth noting that the production process of new helicopters takes several years, which means that the decision to purchase additional machinery should be made immediately in order to avoid further delays.

This week Poland took a decisive step towards upgrading its armed forces, joining the purchase of 96 combat helicopters AH-64E Apache. This decision, concerning both the number of machines and planned changes in the structures of aviation of the Land Army, means a significant strengthening of Polish combat capabilities. The value of the contract, which can reach up to US$12 billion, includes not only helicopters themselves, but also weapons and necessary support packages. The cost of operating these modern machines, although high, is the price for a significant increase in the operational potential of these units.

In the context of the planned purchase of 96 AH-64 Apache helicopters, which, according to many experts, is too large, the question arises as to why an equally significant increase in the AW101 fleet for the Navy is not considered. Buying 12 of these machines would be a logical step, which would not only strengthen operational capacity at sea but would also bring benefits in harmonising logistics and training support systems. In addition, the order of the next AW101, which would be built in PZL-Świdnik, would contribute to creating new jobs and retaining some of the funds in the country, which would be important for the Polish economy.

Will Poland decide to increase the AW101 fleet? Given the strategic importance of the Baltic Sea and the growing operational needs, this decision may prove crucial for the future of the maritime safety of the Polish Republic from the air.

Written by Mariusz Dasiewicz