Poland Italy Helicopter Deal: Poland is moving closer to buying new training-combat helicopters for its armed forces. Italy is now seen as an important partner in the plan. Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said Warsaw wants the helicopters to be produced in Poland.
“We want to purchase training-combat helicopters, and Italy is an important partner for us in this regard. We are keen for this production to take place in Poland,” said the head of the Ministry of National Defence (MON), Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.
The comments came on Tuesday, 15 September, after a meeting between Kosiniak-Kamysz and Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto at the Polish Ministry of National Defence.
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Poland and Italy focus on NATO’s eastern flank
The two ministers discussed defence cooperation between Poland and Italy. Support for Ukraine was also part of the talks as the war continues and Russia develops new military capabilities.
Kosiniak-Kamysz said Ukraine is now facing a “very difficult moment”. He also pointed to the growing use of jet-powered drones by Russia.
“Jet-powered drones are changing its position and tactics,” said Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz.
The meeting came on the same day that an Italian NATO fighter shot down a drone over Lithuania. Italian Eurofighter jets were operating under NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission. The drone had entered Lithuanian airspace and was intercepted near Pratkunai. Its exact origin is still being investigated, though it was suspected to have come from Belarus and could be linked to Russia. Kosiniak-Kamysz also welcomed Italy’s role in protecting NATO’s eastern side.
“The Italian Minister said during the meeting that ‘a strong Poland means a stronger Italy.’ I am very grateful for that. Poland and Italy do not want to be isolated islands, but to build a stronger Europe and a stronger NATO. Defending the eastern flank is simultaneously the defence of Italy – thank you for putting it that way,” he said.
Italy has already supported NATO’s eastern flank by deploying military aircraft and ships in the region.
AW109 TrekkerM could be Poland’s choice
The biggest defence deal discussed was the possible purchase of training-combat helicopters. Poland wants the aircraft soon and says negotiations are now entering their final stage.
“We want to acquire training-combat helicopters as soon as possible, and Italy is an important partner for us in this process. We are entering the final phase of negotiations on this matter. It is very important to us that production takes place in Poland, and I have received such an assurance from the Italian Minister of Defence,” said Kosiniak-Kamysz.
The Italian connection has increased attention around the AW109 TrekkerM. Leonardo PZL-Świdnik is offering this helicopter to Poland as part of a wider pilot training system. The company says the helicopter can be produced in Świdnik with local manufacturing, system integration and later servicing.
Poland has been working on a requirement for 24 light twin-engine training-combat helicopters along with simulators and training equipment. The helicopters are needed to help prepare crews for larger combat fleets including the AH-64E Apache.
The AW109 TrekkerM is a twin-engine helicopter in the three-ton class. It uses a digital glass cockpit and can carry out training as well as other military missions. Its reported cruise speed is about 281 km/h and its range is more than 820 km. It can also stay in the air for more than four hours.
The Polish offer also includes simulators and trainers. These could help reduce training costs and allow pilots and ground crews to practise different situations before using operational helicopters.
The possible deal is important for Polish industry too. PZL-Świdnik already has production and support experience with military helicopters such as the AW149. Local production would also help keep more manufacturing and maintenance work inside Poland.
Kosiniak-Kamysz said the helicopter purchase could also be linked to the second phase of the EU-backed SAFE mechanism, which supports joint defence purchases. Poland has already used SAFE funding for several other defence contracts.
Satellite imaging and NATO pipeline project also discussed
The talks weren’t limited to helicopters. Poland and Italy also discussed improving capabilities in satellite imagery. This could support military intelligence and surveillance. Another issue was a possible NATO centre in Poland linked to the expansion of the alliance’s fuel pipeline network from Germany into Poland.
“We are keen for the management centre of this project to be located in Poland, and we can count on Italy’s support during the meetings of NATO defence ministers,” Kosiniak-Kamysz said.
