Warsaw, Poland, Dec. 9, 2022 – PZL Mielec, a Lockheed Martin company, finalized a contract with the Polish National Police for two S-70i Black Hawk helicopters, which will increase its fleet of Black Hawks to five by the end of 2024. The expanded Sikorsky Black Hawk fleet will fulfill important missions including counter-terrorism activities, search and rescue, and firefighting.
“The Black Hawk’s multi-role mission flexibility is key to meeting the needs of the Polish National Police. We bring a deep understanding of our customers’ missions to deliver the best solution for their needs,” said Janusz Zakrecki, PZL Mielec President and General Director. “This contract is another important milestone, given that this valued customer is growing its fleet of Black Hawks, which demonstrates the police’s trust in our helicopters.”
The contract includes a logistical support package that will cover spare parts, pilot and maintenance specialist training, and ground support equipment.
“We were very keen on a multi-role helicopter due to the fact that in 2016, Polish police were entrusted with tasks in the field of counter-terrorist activities, which is why the purchase of Black Hawks was an absolute necessity,” Police Commander-in-Chief Gen. Insp. Jarosław Szymczyk said during the ceremony. “The (Black Hawks) we use are very reliable. I am convinced that the employees of PZL Mielec put their hearts into them, thanks to which they serve us so well.”
Currently, the Police Aviation Authority operates three S-70i helicopters delivered by PZL Mielec in 2018 and 2019. They are deployed for a range of activities, including search and rescue missions, border patrol activities and, in cooperation with the Headquarters of the State Fire Service, actions to combat fires and natural disasters.
Built to robust military specifications, the Black Hawk family of helicopters is renowned for its proven combat performance and multi-mission capability. The latest generation of Black Hawks feature digital avionics, powerful GE engines, high strength airframe structures and composite wide chord rotor blades that yield increased situational awareness, survivability and performance.
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin Corporation is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 114,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.
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