Defence & Space

Galvion wins U.S. Marine Corps Integrated Helmet System contract

Galvion, a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative head systems, power and data management solutions, and integrated soldier systems,…

2025-08-12 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

ICEYE expands its SAR imaging capabilities with the launch of Scan Wide mode

Polish-Finnish company ICEYE announces the launch of its newest imaging mode – Scan Wide which offers now image an area…

2025-08-12 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

Blackout in Spain – A Discussion on Power Security with Experts from Forum Energii

The recent blackout in Spain has brought Poland’s energy security back into the media headlines and public conversation. Given the current…

2025-07-16 | Tadeusz Jakliński | 25 minutes

SIPRI: Nuclear risks grow as new arms race looms

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute published a report entitled SIPRI Yearbook 2025, which, among other things, discusses the issue of…

2025-06-16 | Redakcja | 10 minutes

British F-35B Lightning II Land on JS Kaga

On August 9, the Royal Navy announced that, as part of exercises with the Japan Self-Defense Forces conducted in the waters of the…

2025-08-10 | Radosław Niesobski | 2 minutes

More Funding for USS Harry S. Truman Aircraft Carrier Refueling

On August 8, the Naval Sea Systems Command announced the signing of another contract paving the way for the continuation of…

2025-08-09 | Radosław Niesobski | 2 minutes

Orion: The Force Multiplier that led the IDF to unmatched ground superiority

Orion, developed by Asio Technologies in collaboration with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) technology division and in full operational deployment by the IDF, has…

2025-07-09 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

SKW Cryptographic Security Certificate for Polish Comp@n Radio Set from the WB Group

The WB Group announced that the Comp@n system radio set, developed by its subsidiary Radmor, along with the Cryptographic Document Management…

2025-06-14 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

Pagacz Defence Group Presents Its Offering at the 33rd International Defence Industry Exhibition

The Polish company Pagacz Defence Group from Toruń will showcase its own products, as well as those of its partners, during the…

2025-07-31 | Redakcja | 1 minutes

Wescom Defence to Unveil ATMIS Multispectral Camouflage at DSEI 2025

Wescom Defence, a trusted provider of pyrotechnics, energetics and a wide range of reliable products and systems to global defence forces, will officially…

2025-07-14 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Galvion wins U.S. Marine Corps Integrated Helmet System contract

Galvion, a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative head systems, power and data management solutions, and integrated soldier systems,…

2025-08-12 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

311.5M USD Allocated for SBX-1 Platform Maintenance

On August 8, the Military Sealift Command, the agency responsible for maintaining the U.S. Department of Defense’s non-combat support vessels, announced…

2025-08-10 | Radosław Niesobski | 2 minutes

U.S. to Order Two Additional Polar Patrol Vessels

On August 5, the American shipyard Bollinger Shipyards announced that under the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” the U.S. Coast Guard…

2025-08-06 | Radosław Niesobski | 2 minutes

Russia-Backed Colombian Behind Terror Attacks in Poland, According to Polish Authorities

Following an investigation conducted by the Internal Security Agency into acts of sabotage targeting Poland, an additional charge of committing a terrorist…

2025-07-30 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Galvion wins U.S. Marine Corps Integrated Helmet System contract

Galvion, a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative head systems, power and data management solutions, and integrated soldier systems,…

2025-08-12 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

311.5M USD Allocated for SBX-1 Platform Maintenance

On August 8, the Military Sealift Command, the agency responsible for maintaining the U.S. Department of Defense’s non-combat support vessels, announced…

2025-08-10 | Radosław Niesobski | 2 minutes

Russia-Backed Colombian Behind Terror Attacks in Poland, According to Polish Authorities

Following an investigation conducted by the Internal Security Agency into acts of sabotage targeting Poland, an additional charge of committing a terrorist…

2025-07-30 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Poland Submits Applications to European Commission for €45 Billion Under SAFE Instrument

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz announced that Poland has submitted a preliminary declaration to the European Commission…

2025-07-30 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

ICEYE expands its SAR imaging capabilities with the launch of Scan Wide mode

Polish-Finnish company ICEYE announces the launch of its newest imaging mode – Scan Wide which offers now image an area…

2025-08-12 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

Skyfall: A Family of Future Martian Uncrewed Helicopters

The American company AeroVironment, known for developing the renowned Martian unmanned helicopter Ingenuity, has unveiled the concept for its successors…

2025-07-29 | Rafał Muczyński | 4 minutes
Shooting

Nitecore EDC25 and EDC29: Powerful, Bright Flashlights for Any Pocket

Flashlights in the context of EDC aren’t an obvious topic. Suppose we want to stick to something pocket-sized. In that case, we often have to give up…

2025-08-12 | Krzysztof Ptak | 11 minutes

Power Cube: Nitecore NB10000 Gen3 Power Bank

You are awakened by the sound of bells calling to prayer. You spring from your lair and dash to the Temple of the…

2025-08-10 | Bartosz Szymonik | 5 minutes

Nitecore EDC25 and EDC29: Powerful, Bright Flashlights for Any Pocket

Flashlights in the context of EDC aren’t an obvious topic. Suppose we want to stick to something pocket-sized. In that case, we often have to give up…

2025-08-12 | Krzysztof Ptak | 11 minutes

SIG Sauer Unveils New ZULU-DMR Tripod

SIG Sauer is adding the new ZULU-DMR Tripod to its accessories lineup, featuring a dual-adjustment head and carbon fiber legs.

2025-08-01 | Michał Ihnatów | 2 minutes

Power Cube: Nitecore NB10000 Gen3 Power Bank

You are awakened by the sound of bells calling to prayer. You spring from your lair and dash to the Temple of the…

2025-08-10 | Bartosz Szymonik | 5 minutes

Galvion’s Caiman Helmets from Gdańsk

Two weeks have passed since the memorable Monday, June 23, of this year. The emotions have settled, and the long…

2025-07-10 | Dariusz Borkowski | 10 minutes

Galvion’s Caiman Helmets from Gdańsk

Two weeks have passed since the memorable Monday, June 23, of this year. The emotions have settled, and the long…

2025-07-10 | Dariusz Borkowski | 10 minutes

CZ Shooting Team athletes take home 13 medals from the CZ Extreme Euro Open

Sport shooters representing Ceska zbrojovka brought back six gold, four silver, and three bronze medals from Hodonice, along with four…

2025-07-04 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

The New Smith & Wesson M&P 22X

The M&P 22X is Smith & Wesson’s latest pistol chambered in .22LR. This full-size design features a high-capacity 20-round magazine and an…

2025-08-05 | Michał Ihnatów | 2 minutes

Smith & Wesson M&P Shield X – better ergonomics for concealed carry

Smith & Wesson presents another new release – the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield X pistol line. Designed for concealed carry,…

2025-08-01 | Michał Ihnatów | 2 minutes

Paris Air Show 2025: Bayraktar TB3 Debuts

The 55th edition of the International Paris Air and Space Show, held in the French capital, provided an opportunity for Baykar…

2025-06-19 | Radosław Niesobski | 3 minutes

Setting Up a Shooting Belt: An Example with Clawgear

To assist with shooting training and beyond, various belts and gear configurations have been developed and customized to suit individual needs. It’s…

2024-11-28 | Łukasz Kołodziejski | 14 minutes

Over 100% increase in gun permits in Poland in 2024

The Polish Police have released statistical data on firearm permits issued in 2024. An increasing number of Poles now hold a permit, with…

2025-02-20 | Michał Ihnatów | 5 minutes

Firearms In Poland 2023: Number of permits continues to grow

The National Police Headquarters has released statistics regarding the number of firearm permits and firearms themselves in the hands of Poles.…

2024-02-17 | Michał Ihnatów | 5 minutes

5 Best Value ATN Rifle Scopes Under €1500

ATN is a leading manufacturer of daytime optics, smart night vision, and thermal vision technology. The innovative features and ergonomic designs…

2022-11-11 | Redakcja | 9 minutes

MILMAG Visits Grand Power

Grand Power is a Slovak manufacturer of the acknowledged good quality firearms. Take part in our guided tour with English subtitles.

2022-05-23 | Redakcja | 1 minutes

Power Cube: Nitecore NB10000 Gen3 Power Bank

You are awakened by the sound of bells calling to prayer. You spring from your lair and dash to the Temple of the…

2025-08-10 | Bartosz Szymonik | 5 minutes

TEST: Falco Tactical Holster with QLS System – C911 L 2021

Tactical holsters, such as the presented Falco holster with the QLS system and Speed Lock Retention System, are designed for use…

2025-08-01 | Mateusz Zydroń | 9 minutes

EOTECH Holographic Sight – History, Technology, Practice

The holographic sight is a device known for nearly 30 years and used by professionals around the world. A favorite sight of many…

2024-09-02 | Michał Gaweł | 12 minutes

All Police S-70i Black Hawk International Helicopters Delivered

The Polish Police have officially received the final S-70i Black Hawk multi-role helicopter purchased under the tripartite agreement signed in 2022 between the Commander-in-Chief of Police, the Commander-in-Chief of the State Fire Service, and the President of the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management (NFOŚiGW).

On Tuesday, December 3, 2024, the Polish Police officially received the final S-70i Black Hawk multi-role helicopter purchased under the tripartite agreement signed on December 9, 2022, between the Commander-in-Chief of Police (KGP), the Commander-in-Chief of the State Fire Service (KG PSP), and the President of the Management Board of the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management (NFOŚiGW).

Photos: National Police Headquarters

The official handover of the helicopter took place at the PZL Mielec, owned by the American company Lockheed Martin. The symbolic keys were received by the Commander-in-Chief of Police, Inspector General Marek Boroń. As of today, the Police Aviation Unit operates five helicopters of this type.

Operational Use of the Black Hawk Fleet So Far

The Police Aviation Unit received the first three Lockheed Martin/Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk International multi-role helicopters, manufactured by PZL Mielec and purchased under the Modernization Program for Uniformed Services subordinate to the Ministry of the Interior and Administration (MSWiA) during 2018–2019. Two S-70i helicopters were delivered on November 30, 2018, under a contract signed on May 30 of the same year, valued at 142.66 million PLN. The third helicopter was ordered on November 19, 2018, for 65.04 million PLN net, with delivery completed by the end of March 2019.

These helicopters are characterized by their versatility and high reliability. They are equipped with modern navigation systems that enable flights in challenging weather conditions and at night. Additionally, they feature devices that support precise landings in confined spaces, enhancing their utility in crisis situations. The Black Hawks also boast impressive performance parameters. They achieve a cruising speed of 297 km/h, have a range of 650 km, which can be extended to 950 km with additional fuel tanks. Operating the S-70i requires a minimum crew of three, and the helicopter can carry up to 13 passengers on board.

In the following years, efforts continued to gradually strengthen the police aviation fleet. On September 4, 2023, the first of two helicopters of this type entered service, purchased under a tripartite agreement signed in 2022 between the Chief of Police, the Chief Commander of the State Fire Service, and the President of the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management (NFOŚiGW), as well as a second bilateral agreement for the delivery of new multi-role helicopters by PZL Mielec, including a training package, spare parts, and equipment. The final helicopter acquired under this program was delivered in November of this year. From this point on, the Polish Police fleet includes five helicopters, making it one of the most advanced forces in this regard on the continent.

From the very beginning, these helicopters have supported numerous key police operations, including serving as support for the Border Guard on the eastern border or participating in various missions such as firefighting efforts in Turkey and the Czech Republic (as well as domestically, near Nowe Miasto nad Pilicą and in the Biebrza National Park). On a daily basis, they are also used in police operations involving counterterrorism units from the Central Counterterrorism Subdivision of the Police (BOA) or officers of the Central Investigation Bureau of Police (CBŚP). They are utilized for personnel transport, search operations, and securing large public events. Additionally, they are an indispensable element of crisis response, such as evacuating residents from flooded areas during this year’s floods in southern Poland.

A Symbolic Ceremony in Mielec

Today’s ceremony in Mielec serves as a symbolic summary of the collaboration between the Police, the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management (NFOŚiGW), the State Fire Service, and PZL Mielec.

Highlighting the importance of investing in the development of police aviation, Inspector General Marek Boroń, Chief of Police, said:

The implementation of this program is not only an enhancement of our operational capabilities but, above all, a guarantee of safety for the residents of our country. Introducing the S-70i Black Hawk into the Polish Police marks a key step in modernizing police aviation. This investment demonstrates that the Police is effectively adapting to the challenges of the modern world. Thanks to funding from NFOŚiGW, we are gaining modern tools that support our efforts to protect the environment and improve the quality of life for our citizens.

In a separate press release from PZL Mielec:

“Following the successful delivery of S-70 Black Hawk helicopters to the Polish Armed Forces, we are proud to expand the Polish National Police’s fleet with another aircraft” said Janusz Zakręcki, PZL Mielec President and General Director. “We are confident that the enlarged fleet of versatile, reliable and durable Black Hawk helicopters will meet the operational needs of the Polish National Police, enhancing the safety of citizens nationwide and supporting the Polish Rescue and Firefighting System.”

Support from NFOŚiGW

The purchase of Black Hawk S-70i helicopters was made possible through co-financing from the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management (NFOŚiGW) as part of the project titled Helping and Protecting – Police and State Fire Service Safeguarding Biodiversity. The project included two key tasks: the purchase of multi-role Black Hawk helicopters along with personnel training and spare parts, and the acquisition of additional equipment for rescue and firefighting operations. This initiative aimed to support activities that contribute to environmental protection and the enhancement of public safety. The integration of police aviation into the crisis response system is crucial in situations such as forest fires, floods, or other natural disasters. The Chief Police Headquarters received funding of 340,000,000 PLN for this purpose under the NFOŚiGW’s Priority Program No. 7.3 Protection and Restoration of Biological and Landscape Diversity.

The Final Stages of Delivery and Training

The registration procedure for the last helicopter has now been completed. A scheduled training cycle for police pilots using the new machine has also taken place. This afternoon, the fifth Black Hawk was transferred to the Police Aviation Unit base in Warsaw’s Bemowo district.

On the eve of Poland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the Polish Police now operate a fleet of 14 helicopters, including five Black Hawks and seven Bell 407GXi.

Based on a press release