The Armaments Inspectorate, acting on behalf of the Polish Ministry of Defense (MoD) informed that it received inquiries from nine manufacturers, which confirmed their interest in the future tender for next generation naval helicopters. The list of potential participants in the future tender includes: Polish Armaments Group (Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa, PGZ), Kaman Aerospace Corporation, Bell Textron Inc., General Dynamics Mission Systems – Canada Inc., WSK PZL-Świdnik, Enamor, Airbus Helicopters SAS, Polish Aviation Works Mielec (Polskie Zakłady Lotnicze Mielec) and Elbit Systems Ltd.
Nine companies have shown their interest in the future tender for delivery of new ASW/CSAR helicopters for the Polish Navy / Picture: Polish Navy
The Polish Navy has a requirement for a helicopter with a maximum take-off weight no higher than 6.5t, which will be capable of conducting anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations and acquiring enemy targets with the use of onboard radar systems (Poland looks for new naval helicopters, 2020-01-02).
The Navy intends to procure 4-8 naval helicopters in an ASW and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) configuration. They will replace currently operated Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite helicopters, which due to their obsolescence and lack of proper support from the OEM these helicopters no longer meet the requirements of the modern battlefield.
It’s expected that new naval helicopters will operate from the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates, ORP Gen K Pulaski (272) and ORP Gen T Kosciuszko (273), the ORP Slazak (241) patrol corvette or the future Miecznik-class coastal defence vessels.