On Friday, April 5th, 2024, the GROM Military Unit (JW 2305) published information about signing a contract worth 34.5 million PLN (8.7 million USD) with PZL Mielec, owned by Lockheed Martin, for maintenance services of the multi-purpose helicopters S-70i Black Hawk International for the years 2024-2027.
Photo: Jakub Link-Lenczowski, MILMAG
The procedure was conducted through negotiations with a single contractor, as PZL Mielec is the only entity in the EU possessing the rights to the technical documentation necessary to perform the services.
As stated, the maintenance service for S-70i Black Hawk International helicopters is essential to preserve the constant operational readiness of the Special Forces helicopters. The use of S-70i helicopters requires the continuous maintenance of equipment intended for performing tasks according to their purpose and keeping it in constant readiness for aerial maneuvers. The operation of S-70i helicopters requires regular and ongoing repairs in case of malfunctions that cannot be rectified within the capabilities of the Polish Armed Forces. The duration of the contract is set from April 2, 2024, to November 30, 2027.
Analysis
The first four medium S-70i Black Hawk International helicopters for the Special Forces were ordered on January 25, 2019, for the equivalent of 683.4 million złotych gross (approximately 177 million USD), which also included a logistical and training package, as well as equipment (including spare and consumable parts and ground handling equipment). The handover of the helicopters took place on December 20 of the same year at the 1st Airlift Base in Warsaw. During their operation, the helicopters were equipped with additional gear. Importantly, the original contract included an option for four additional helicopters.
On September 29, 2021, the then Minister of National Defense, Mariusz Błaszczak, announced that the day before, during the first meeting of the Technical Modernization Council, a decision was made to purchase four additional S-70i helicopters. The corresponding contract was signed on December 15 of the same year and was valued at 666 million złotych. On November 29, 2023, PZL Mielec handed over the first two helicopters. The delivery of the remaining two is scheduled for the end of October 2024.