On 27 February 2025, the first Leonardo AW149 medium lift, multi role helicopter came off the new assembly line in Swidnik, Poland.

Poland ordered a total of 32 AW149's. Deliveries started in 2023 and are expected to be complete by 2029.

 

In the meantime five helicopters have already been delivered to the Lotnictwo Wojsk Lądowych (Polish Army aviation) and are operated from Leznica-Wielka army base. These are airframes that came directly from Leonardo's assembly plant in Vergiate. It is planned that approximately 20 helicopters will be produced locally by PZL Swidnik.

 

Pre-2021, Poland planned to acquire 32 multi-role helicopters in three different variants for which a total of twelve contractors were approached. However the start of the war in Ukraine changed the landscape and these discussions were suspended. Poland now had a sudden operational requirement and this resulted in the Leonardo contract in 2022.

 

The 32 AW149's are expected to be mainly operated by the 25 Brygada Kawalerii Powietrznej (25 Air Cavalry Brigade). They will enhance their transport, combat support and reconnaissance capabilities.