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PZL-Świdnik opens production line for AW149 helicopters

PZL-Świdnik, the Polish company fully-owned by Leonardo, on June 4 celebrated the opening of the production line for the AW149 helicopters of the Polish Armed Forces. Leonardo states its dedication to technology transfer and local production has contributed to growth in the country’s skills base and this has enabled new technologies to be delivered quickly to the Polish Armed Forces.

The very first AW149s were produced in Vergiate, Italy, where Polish workers took on-job training and participated in deliveries within a tight time schedule, handing over helicopters 15 months since contract signing. The majority of the Polish Armed Forces’ AW149 will be produced in Poland.

Poland’s contract for 32 AW149s was signed in Świdnik in 2022 and it also covers the integration of the helicopter’s systems, dedicated armament, future modernizations and technical support through the entire life cycle of the Polish AW149 fleet.

“The localization 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,” said Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters.

PZL-Świdnik has a total of 3,240 employees, 20 per cent of which are engineers.