Lockheed Martin Increases Polish Helicopter Fleet with New Batch of S-70i Black Hawks Delivery
On December 3, 2024, PZL Mielec, a Lockheed Martin company, delivered a new S-70i Black Hawk helicopter to the Polish National Police (PNP). This delivery marks the completion of the contract signed in December 2022, which included the supply of two helicopters. With this acquisition, the PNP’s aerial fleet now expands to five Black Hawks, further strengthening its operational capabilities and enhancing public safety across the country. The helicopter was officially handed over during a visit by Maj. Gen. Marek Boron, Commander-in-Chief of the Polish National Police, at PZL Mielec’s facilities.
Delivered in a fully operational configuration, the S-70i Black Hawk is equipped with state-of-the-art systems tailored to the diverse missions of the PNP. The contract also includes a complete package of spare parts, ground support equipment (GSE), and a specialized training program for PNP personnel, ensuring seamless integration and optimal use of the aircraft. These provisions reflect PZL Mielec’s commitment to delivering not just equipment but a comprehensive operational solution.
The contract for the delivery of S-70i Black Hawks aligns with Poland’s strategy to modernize the aerial capabilities of its security forces. In December 2022, the PNP signed a $79 million (approximately 350 million PLN) agreement with PZL Mielec for two helicopters. This collaboration began in 2018 with the delivery of two S-70i Black Hawks, followed by a third in 2019. These helicopters have since been deployed in various critical missions, including operations by the Central Counter-Terrorism Unit “BOA,” as well as search and rescue, border patrols, and disaster response, often in coordination with Poland’s State Fire Service.
The signing of the December 2022 contract for two additional helicopters brings the PNP’s Black Hawk fleet to five units, significantly enhancing its capacity to meet growing national security and civil protection demands. The deliveries of these new helicopters are expected to be completed by the end of 2024, in accordance with the contract terms.
This ongoing partnership between the PNP and PZL Mielec underscores the trust placed in Black Hawk helicopters as versatile and reliable tools for ensuring public safety in Poland. The expansion of the Black Hawk fleet is considered a pivotal step in improving the PNP’s operational capabilities and ensuring a swift and effective response to emergencies nationwide.
Since 2019, the Polish National Police has effectively utilized the S-70i Black Hawk helicopters in various critical missions, such as search and rescue, border patrols, disaster response, and counterterrorism operations conducted notably by the Central Counter-Terrorism Unit. These versatile helicopters also play a key role in firefighting missions in cooperation with the State Fire Service of Poland, further highlighting their significance in public safety and national resilience. With this latest delivery, the PNP is now better equipped to respond to emergencies and ensure security across the country.
The S-70i Black Hawk is a versatile, multi-role helicopter designed for both military and civilian applications, featuring advanced avionics and mission systems. It boasts a fully integrated digital cockpit with a four-axis autopilot, night vision compatibility, and weather radar for enhanced situational awareness and operational safety. Powered by two T700-GE-701D turboshaft engines, it offers exceptional performance, achieving a maximum cruise speed of 280 km/h and a range of up to 460 km, depending on its configuration. Its robust airframe is built to endure extreme conditions, while its spacious cabin and external cargo hook enable the transport of up to 11 fully equipped personnel or payloads of up to 4,082 kg, making it ideal for missions such as troop transport, search and rescue, firefighting, and disaster response.
Produced by PZL Mielec, a subsidiary of Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin, the S-70i Black Hawk is designed for both military and civilian missions. It features advanced avionics and digital flight controls, with a fully integrated cockpit comprising four multifunction displays that enhance situational awareness. Powered by two T700-GE-701D engines, it delivers a cruising speed of approximately 280 km/h and a range of up to 460 km with a standard fuel tank.
Its corrosion-resistant structure ensures reliability in challenging environments. The helicopter’s spacious cabin accommodates up to 13 passengers or mission-specific payloads, with optional configurations for medical evacuation, search-and-rescue, or troop transport. Additionally, the S-70i is equipped with crash-resistant seating, ballistic-tolerant fuel systems, and optional armor to improve survivability in combat operations.