AgustaWestland is offering the AW149 as a replacement for Poland’s military helicopters. AgustaWestland Photo
Three helicopter manufacturers have submitted bids to replace Poland’s military helicopter fleet, the country’s Ministry of National Defence has confirmed to Vertical. AgustaWestland, through its Polish subsidiary PZL-Swidnik, Airbus Helicopters and Sikorsky submitted final proposals for the US$3-billion program on Dec. 30.
The procurement calls for 70 helicopters. AgustaWestland is submitting the AW149 for the competition, Airbus Helicopters is proposing the EC725, while Sikorsky subsidiary PZL Mielec is offering the S-70i, an international version of the Black Hawk.
While the procurement process is confidential, a Ministry of National Defence spokesperson confirmed that all documents related to the competition, including an offset agreement, are scheduled for signing during the second quarter of 2015. The next stage of the process involves Polish Armament Inspectorate officials examining the bids and making a selection, at which point negotiations will commence.
The inclusion of Sikorsky, a subsidiary of United Technologies, signals the manufacturer changed its mind about pulling its bid off the table. In October, Sikorsky told Reuters that it would withdraw its tender unless the terms were changed, which Polish officials rebuffed, calling it a negotiation tactic and keeping the requirements in place.
Airbus Helicopters bid the EC725 for the Polish helicopter competition. Lorette Fabre Photo/Airbus Helicopters
