Airbus proposes major aircraft package for Polish Army modernisation photo

Airbus has formally submitted its bid in Poland’s tender to procure new military transport aircraft, offering between 10 and 14 A400M Atlas planes along with a comprehensive training and maintenance package.

The company stated that, should Poland approve the proposal, the first aircraft could be delivered at the beginning of 2028.

Polish media reports that the A400M Atlas is already in service with 10 countries, including Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Türkiye.

Airbus stressed that the level of participation by Polish industry would depend on the scale of the order. At present, factories in Niepołomice, Kalisz and Rzeszów manufacture components for Airbus civilian aircraft, but under a future contract, they could start producing essential parts for military platforms.

The offer also covers two A330 MRTT aerial refuelling aircraft, which would expand the operational capabilities of Poland’s F-16 and F-35 fighter jets. These tankers, built at European facilities, are compliant with the SAFE program, under which Poland has allocated almost 44 billion euros for weapons purchases. If selected, the first A330 MRTT units could reach Poland in 2028.

Brazil’s Embraer KC-390 Millennium is also competing in the procurement process. Colonel Sebastian Paluch, head of the Military Equipment and Development Department at the Air Force Inspectorate, noted that acquiring the KC-390 would not prevent Poland from simultaneously purchasing the A400M Atlas, as they represent different classes of aircraft — medium and heavy — and both categories are required by the Polish Air Force.

Poland intends to buy a total of 10 heavy and 8 medium transport aircraft, in addition to four aerial refuelling tankers. The first two tankers, financed through the SAFE program, are expected to arrive between 2029 and 2030, while the remaining two will be funded from the national budget and delivered in the mid-2030s.

By Tamilla Hasanova