Poland opens bidding for new helicopter buy

Feb. 22 (UPI) — The government of Poland issued two requests for proposals for the procurement of 16 new military helicopters.

Three bidders including Lockheed Martin subsidiary Sikorsky, Leonardo and Airbus have been invited to submit proposals for the deal. The new rotorcraft will be used to replace Poland’s aging fleet of Russian-made Mi-8/17 and M-14 platforms.

Lockheed Martin was the first contractor to announce its intention to make a bid, fronting its S-70i Black Hawk. Airbus and Leonardo are still considering their options.

“Poland has three ways to procure its equipment: public tender, urgent operational, requirement, and as a national security requirement,” Lockheed Martin’s James Katzen told IHS Janes. “Our understanding is that [these RFPs] will be done through the national security route, which allows it to proceed quicker.”

Flight Global reports Poland will not require the new helicopters until 2019, but is considering acquiring the aircraft in two batches of four units depending on delivery timelines.

Poland attempted to close a deal with Airbus Helicopters for 50 H225Ms before the purchase was canceled in October 2016 over failed negotiations.