On Thursday, April 2, 2026, an Investment Agreement was signed between the Ministry of Finance and Economy and Leonardo PZL-Świdnik, a company wholly owned by the Leonardo Group. This is the first Investment Agreement concluded under the provisions of the Tax Ordinance Act. Leonardo PZL-Świdnik has received funding from the Ministry of Finance and Economy in connection with the company’s ongoing investments aimed at further developing the capabilities and production capacity of its helicopter manufacturing facilities in Świdnik.
AW149 from PZL Świdnik / Photo: Grzegorz Sobczak, MILMAG
The amount of funding provided by the Ministry is 26.6 million PLN. Leonardo PZL-Świdnik has already committed to investing a total of approximately 200 million PLN in 2024–2028, in addition to substantial overall investments made over the past 15 years, which have exceeded 700 million PLN (WSK PZL-Świdnik with a Tenfold Increase in Revenue Over 15 Years).
The funding is expected to generate benefits through an increased share of innovative and advanced technologies in Poland, the creation of high-paying jobs, stimulation of innovation among local SMEs serving as subcontractors to Leonardo PZL-Świdnik, reduction of interregional development gaps, and strengthening of industrial cooperation with educational institutions, including universities and secondary schools (Cooperation between WSK PZL-Świdnik and the Air Force University).
The development of Poland’s high-tech industry, in which Leonardo PZL-Świdnik operates as the national leader in the helicopter domain, is of fundamental importance for defense and national security, as well as in responding to natural disasters and supporting civilians through rescue services or the transport of people and cargo. At the same time, Leonardo PZL-Świdnik creates attractive jobs for a wide range of employees, contributes to prosperity and regional development, and helps reduce interregional disparities. In addition, around 500 companies from across Poland form a domestic supply chain cooperating with Leonardo PZL-Świdnik.
“Thanks to long-term investments by Leonardo PZL-Świdnik, it is possible to significantly expand national industrial capabilities in the helicopter domain, which is among the most innovative sectors. “The grant supports the domestic ecosystem and strengthens the country’s resilience,” said Bartosz Śliwa, President of the Management Board of Leonardo PZL-Świdnik.
The industrial plan associated with the agreement entered its first implementation phase in 2024. Further expansion of the production facility in Świdnik will continue through 2028. Moreover, the current investment enables the development of production of original components for helicopters.
AW149 final assembly line (FAL) at PZL-Świdnik / Photo: Jakub Link-Lenczowski, MILMAG
Three pillars of the investment can be identified:
- development of the multirole helicopter production line,
- localization of production of specialized helicopter components,
- increase in current production capacity.
These investments enable Leonardo PZL-Świdnik, through insourcing, to expand its competencies as an OEM. This includes launching production of specialized components such as complete helicopter flight control systems, a technological line for manufacturing rigid high-pressure hydraulic lines, and a modern process for producing complete electrical wiring harness systems, manufactured in a Just In Sequence system individually for each helicopter.
Current production capacity in the aerostructures division is being expanded through infrastructure development and increased throughput via automation and robotization. At the same time, employment can continue to grow alongside the development of helicopter programs for both military and civilian users.
“At present, the extensive investments carried out by Leonardo PZL-Świdnik enable the acquisition, absorption, and development of advanced future technologies. These investments also bring social benefits – Leonardo PZL-Świdnik cooperates with the academic community, including military universities and vocational schools, sharing knowledge and experience. Thanks to continued investments, the Świdnik helicopter facilities are gaining new industrial capabilities; a production line for AW149 multirole helicopters for the Polish Armed Forces has already been established. Full production and maintenance competencies have been developed in this area, and the production of components for the new domestic assembly line has begun. Further development of the Świdnik facilities is planned to meet all requirements of the Ministry of Defense in the helicopter domain,” said Bartosz Śliwa, President of the Management Board of Leonardo PZL-Świdnik (The first AW149 helicopter from the Polish production line enters service with the Polish Armed Forces).
AW109 TrekkerM / Photo: Grzegorz Sobczak, MILMAG
At the same time, Leonardo has expressed its readiness to undertake further investments in Świdnik to establish a new, complete production line for AW109 TrekkerM training and light attack helicopters. For this helicopter platform, Leonardo PZL-Świdnik already manufactures complete airframes for all Leonardo programs worldwide. New, fully assembled AW109 TrekkerM helicopters for the Polish Armed Forces could roll out of the Świdnik facility from the very first unit within the timeframe required by the Polish Armed Forces (A helicopter pilot training system from PZL-Świdnik for the Polish military).
The AW109 TrekkerM could meet the helicopter training needs of the Polish military while also serving as a light combat helicopter equipped with guided and unguided rockets as well as machine guns. In addition, Leonardo PZL-Świdnik is capable of delivering a comprehensive training solution, including modern simulators and training devices for pilots, crews, and ground personnel.
Press release
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