Lockheed hopeful of Armed Black Hawk deal for Polish Army amid increased defence spending
All S-70i and UH-60M Black Hawks have structural reinforcement to support conversion to an Armed version. (Photo: Lockheed Martin/Sikorsky)
The Polish government is significantly increasing its defence budget and looks to grow its armed forces in an efforts to counter Russia's perceived threat. Under these plans, there is place for Armed Black Hawk attack helicopters next to the AW149s and Apaches.
Polskie Zakłady Lotniczy (PZL) Mielec, a Lockheed Martin company which domestically builds helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, is hoping to receive an invitation for negotiations to provide Black Hawks to the Polish Army.
Talking to reporters during a PZL Mielec facility visit, company representatives said the Polish government requested a notional configuration schedule of the Armed Black Hawks which it received at the end of last year.
Nothing is yet confirmed, but Lockheed Martin is confident the Black Hawk can fit the Polish Armed Forces’ needs despite its other commitments.
Warsaw signed a $150 million deal earlier this year for 800
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