On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, the 33rd Air Base in Powidz announced the launch of a tender procedure for the implementation of theoretical and practical training courses for flying and ground personnel, in connection with plans to introduce Lockheed Martin/Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk International multirole helicopters into the equipment of the Special Forces Air Unit (PJOS).
Photo: Jakub Link-Lenczowski, MILMAG
According to the tender documentation, the contract covers the delivery of theoretical and practical training courses for flying and ground personnel in connection with the introduction of the S-70i helicopter. As a first step, an introductory course will be conducted to familiarize personnel with the S-70i, which is required for participation in further stages of type-specific training.
Subsequently, training courses will be conducted for pilots to obtain the necessary certifications and authorizations to operate the S-70i helicopter; for Crew Chief personnel to acquire qualifications enabling them to serve as part of the helicopter crew; and for ground support personnel to obtain the authorizations required to perform all necessary maintenance tasks for the proper operation of the S-70i.
An S-70i familiarization course is planned for all flying and ground personnel, followed by the following specializations:
- Pilot – theoretical and simulator training course, as well as a separate theoretical course on mission equipment.
- Crew Chief – theoretical and practical course covering daytime and nighttime flight operations.
- Avionics – theoretical and practical training for ground support personnel specializing in avionics maintenance.
- Airframe and Engine – theoretical and practical training for ground support personnel specializing in airframe and engine maintenance.
- Airframe, Engine, and Avionics – theoretical and practical training for ground support personnel on the operation of the integrated diagnostic system.
- Airframe, Engine, and Avionics – theoretical and practical training for ground support personnel in quality assurance and inspector certification.
- Airframe, Engine, and Avionics – theoretical and practical training for ground support personnel in maintenance management.
- Airframe and Engine – theoretical and practical training for ground support personnel in main and tail rotor blade repair.
- Airframe and Engine – theoretical and practical training for ground support personnel in control system adjustment.
- Airframe and Engine – theoretical and practical training for ground support personnel in maintenance of the GE T700 engine.
The required contract completion period has been set from the date of signing the agreement (planned by July 1) until December 19, 2025. The deadline for submitting applications is May 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. The sole criterion for bid evaluation will be price (100%). The tender has been divided into 12 separate tasks corresponding to individual specializations.
Currently, within the Polish Special Forces, the only unit operating S-70i helicopters is the Aviation Section of the GROM Military Unit. On November 19, 2024, the delivery of four helicopters of this type was completed, adding to the four already in service.
Meanwhile, the Special Forces Air Unit, which was established on February 1, 2023, as the successor to the 7th Special Operations Squadron (7. EDS), currently operates Mi-17 helicopters as part of its Aviation Group.