Defence & Space

NP Aerospace Expands Civilian Armoured Vehicles Support

British-based NP Aerospace launches their proven through-life support services package into the Civilian Armoured Vehicles market

2025-07-21 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

The Koreans are testing a 130mm gun for the next-generation K3 tank

According to reports, the South Korean company Hyundai Rotem has tested a prototype of a domestically developed 130mm smoothbore gun designed for the…

2025-07-16 | Rafał Muczyński | 3 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

The Koreans are testing a 130mm gun for the next-generation K3 tank

According to reports, the South Korean company Hyundai Rotem has tested a prototype of a domestically developed 130mm smoothbore gun designed for the…

2025-07-16 | Rafał Muczyński | 3 minutes

Russian Patent for an Assault Tank with a 152mm Howitzer

The Yuri Gagarin State Technical University of Saratov has presented a patent for an assault tank armed with a short-barreled 152mm howitzer.

2025-07-16 | Rafał Muczyński | 3 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

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

2nd S.E.A.L Conference under Our media patronage

We are pleased to announce that MILMAG Military Magazine has become the media patron of the second edition of the SE.A.L Conference,…

2025-07-11 | Redakcja | 1 minutes

NP Aerospace Expands Civilian Armoured Vehicles Support

British-based NP Aerospace launches their proven through-life support services package into the Civilian Armoured Vehicles market

2025-07-21 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

The Koreans are testing a 130mm gun for the next-generation K3 tank

According to reports, the South Korean company Hyundai Rotem has tested a prototype of a domestically developed 130mm smoothbore gun designed for the…

2025-07-16 | Rafał Muczyński | 3 minutes

Illegal migration to Europe in the first five months of 2025

The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) has published statistics on attempted illegal crossings of the EU’s external borders in the…

2025-07-08 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

LOT Polish Airlines Selected for Air Transport and MEDEVAC under the EU’s rescEU Program

LOT Polish Airlines has signed an agreement to provide air transport and MEDEVAC services. As part of the EU’s rescEU instrument under…

2025-07-07 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

The Koreans are testing a 130mm gun for the next-generation K3 tank

According to reports, the South Korean company Hyundai Rotem has tested a prototype of a domestically developed 130mm smoothbore gun designed for the…

2025-07-16 | Rafał Muczyński | 3 minutes

Russian Patent for an Assault Tank with a 152mm Howitzer

The Yuri Gagarin State Technical University of Saratov has presented a patent for an assault tank armed with a short-barreled 152mm howitzer.

2025-07-16 | Rafał Muczyński | 3 minutes

Poland and Armenia strengthen defense and economic cooperation

Secretary of State at the Polish Ministry of National Defence, Paweł Bejda, met with the Deputy Minister of Defence of the…

2025-07-15 | Redakcja | 2 minutes

Illegal migration to Europe in the first five months of 2025

The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) has published statistics on attempted illegal crossings of the EU’s external borders in the…

2025-07-08 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

ICEYE unveils machine learning-powered Flood Rapid Impact Product to revolutionize response

The Polish-Finnish company ICEYE, a specialist in satellite-powered disaster management solutions, has announced the launch of Flood Rapid Impact (FRI).

2025-07-15 | Redakcja | 5 minutes

LYOFOOD Pierogi Become First Polish Dish Eaten in Space

Yesterday, during a live broadcast from the International Space Station, our astronaut Dr. Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, together with Axiom-4 mission commander Peggy…

2025-07-07 | Rafał Muczyński | 3 minutes
Shooting

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

Upgraded Z8i Scope from SWAROVSKI OPTIK

Swarovski Optik, the Austrian optics manufacturer with nearly 80 years of tradition, has unveiled an upgraded version of its Z8i…

2025-07-03 | Mariusz Piwowar | 3 minutes

Streamlight introduces the SL-SideSaddle

Streamlight, Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting tools, announces the SL-SideSaddle series, a new hands-free lighting solution built for outdoor adventure…

2025-07-01 | Redakcja | 3 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

Helikon-Tex presents: tailor-made kits for shooters

As the shooting season gains momentum, Helikon-Tex has decided to help shooters choose the essential gear and accessories tailored to the specific type…

2025-07-01 | Mariusz Piwowar | 4 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

CZ Introduces the New CZ P-10 C PORTED Model

CZ P-10 C PORTED – a compact pistol with tamed recoil thanks to an integrated compensator.

2025-07-02 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Meprolight MMX3 and MMX4 – Lightweight Magnifiers with Quality Optics

The Mepro MMX3 and MMX4, a new line of compact magnifiers from the Israeli manufacturer. How do they perform in practice and how…

2025-06-27 | Krzysztof Ptak | 8 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

Meprolight MMX3 and MMX4 – Lightweight Magnifiers with Quality Optics

The Mepro MMX3 and MMX4, a new line of compact magnifiers from the Israeli manufacturer. How do they perform in practice and how…

2025-06-27 | Krzysztof Ptak | 8 minutes

Streamlight TLR-7 HL-X – a Bayonet of Light for Your Weapon

The devil’s not so scary once you shine a light on him—and he’s certainly easier to neutralize in the spotlight. A weapon-mounted flashlight is practically…

2025-06-09 | Anna Mielczarek | 6 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

Opening of the AW149 Production Line at PZL-Świdnik

On June 4, 2024, a ceremony was held at the WSK PZL-Świdnik headquarters to inaugurate the production line for AW149 multi-role helicopters. The helicopters will be manufactured at the Świdnik plant as part of the supply program for the Polish Armed Forces.

As emphasized by Deputy Minister of National Defense Paweł Bejda, who was present at the ceremony: The opening of the new AW149 assembly line at PZL Świdnik is a flywheel for the Polish economy. The contract worth PLN 8.25 billion with the Ministry of National Defense is significant support, allowing for a gradual increase in employment, which today amounts to 3,500 employees. This plant is the pride of Poland and the region.

The new line, operating on a single-shift schedule, is expected to enable the production of 10 AW149 helicopters per year. This capacity will allow for fulfilling deliveries to meet the needs of the Polish Armed Forces by the end of 2029 and, if necessary, will be able to handle additional orders.

https://twitter.com/pawelbejda/status/1798089451450651127

As emphasized by Jacek Libucha, President of PZL-Świdnik: The recent period has been a time of multimillion-dollar investments, encompassing infrastructure, equipment, and facilities, particularly the building that now houses the complete production line for AW149 helicopters. With the production of the AW149, a new era begins for the Świdnik plant – it was clear to me from the very beginning, when I was appointed as President of PZL-Świdnik, that we needed a new line to produce the most advanced helicopters to further develop our competencies, which must come with technology transfer. What we have achieved also meets the highest needs of the Polish Armed Forces – the AW149 helicopters will provide the Land Forces with the best possible combat support, which is what this platform was created for.

The AW149, which has already been test-flown, is ready to be delivered to the user

During the visit to the plant, the gathered guests had the opportunity to learn about the new investments at PZL Świdnik. These include the final assembly line (FAL) for the AW149 and the station for testing, assembly of special equipment, and test flights, known as the Flight Line.

The final assembly process is divided into three stages, during which the helicopter is equipped with electrical installations, control systems, and fuel and hydraulic systems. Next, the cockpit is completed, and the engines, main gearbox, landing gear, and power units are installed. In the final stage of assembly, the tail boom with the rotor, windows, stabilizers, and rotor hub are attached.

The first AW149 being assembled on the final assembly line at PZL-Świdnik

The station where the assembly of the largest components of the AW149 will take place: the engine, main gearbox, landing gear, and the connection of the fuselage with the tail boom. The final step of this stage will be the installation of the instrument panels and the ATP test of the helicopter.

The final stage of helicopter production takes place on the Flight Line (FL), where the helicopters undergo final inspection, are equipped with cryptographic systems, and are test-flown.

The AW149 program for the Polish Armed Forces is based on localizing the production of these helicopters in Poland, at PZL-Świdnik. This is a strategic decision by the Ministry of Defense aimed at securing both national security and key industrial benefits. Through local production, Poland gains not only the most advanced helicopters but also a domestic logistical base and technical support located close to the military. The contract, worth PLN 8.25 billion gross (USD 2.05 billion), for 32 AW149 helicopters was signed in Świdnik in 2022 and also includes the integration of all helicopter systems and dedicated weaponry, as well as future upgrades and technical support throughout the lifecycle of Poland’s AW149 fleet.

Presentation of the AW149 in flight. This is the fifth helicopter to be delivered to the Polish Armed Forces. This particular unit was still produced at Leonardo’s plant in Vergiate / Photos and video: Jakub Link-Lenczowski, MILMAG

Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters, said: PZL-Świdnik is an example of the highest level of excellence within our organisation, obtaining very good results in all areas and has great potential for further development. In line with this, there are growing requirements for our company based in Świdnik to continue to evolve from a manufacturer to a key market player that manages complex contracts and deliveries. The Polish MoD programme of AW149 is a clear example of this today. The localisation of industrial and logistical capabilities for these new helicopters to meet Poland’s needs, leverage the long established and unique capabilities of PZL-Świdnik and its professional skills combined with the outstanding operational capabilities of the AW149s will deliver unparalleled advantages to the country.

PZL-Świdnik, as the only domestic helicopter OEM, has full capabilities from design to production and servicing. However, as part of Leonardo, it also leverages the strategic depth provided by its European facilities—this means, among other things, speed of delivery and flexibility in responding to demanding delivery schedules or potential scenarios related to military threats in today’s geopolitical situation. The first AW149 helicopters were produced in Vergiate (Italy), where PZL-Świdnik employees underwent on-the-job training, integrating into the production cycle of helicopters for the Polish military, in response to an urgent need. The first helicopters were received by the Land Forces just 15 months after the contract was signed.

PZL-Świdnik employs over 3,200 workers, 20% of whom are engineers, and there is a growing number of young, newly hired employees who are graduates of technical universities. Therefore, cooperation with polytechnics and technical military universities is continuously developing. This aims to meet the current and future needs of the country for a strong engineering workforce, considering both industrial development and security. The Świdnik plant employs test pilots with the highest level of capability (Level 1) to meet the current and future needs of the Polish Army and other Polish programmes. These pilots performed a dynamic demonstration of the AW149 during the ceremonial opening of the AW149 production line.

https://twitter.com/PZLSwidnik/status/1798235652334768317

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