Poland to expand AW149 helicopter fleet for 25th air cavalry brigade

Poland’s 25th Air Cavalry Brigade will soon receive two additional AW149 multi-role military helicopters, further strengthening the country’s land forces, Polish Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz has announced.

In a statement on X, Kosiniak-Kamysz said the new helicopters are part of Poland’s broader military modernisation programme and are being produced at the PZL-Świdnik plant under a cooperation framework with Italy. The aircraft currently being delivered are manufactured on a newly launched production line at the facility, Caliber.Az reports. 

Kolejne dwa śmigłowce AW149 w drodze do 25 Brygady Kawalerii Powietrznej!
Wzmacniamy flotę śmigłowców Wojsk Lądowych.
Wielozadaniowe maszyny powstają we współpracy z naszymi sojusznikami z Włoch, a te, które obecnie trafiają do jednostki powstają dzięki nowej linii produkcyjnej… pic.twitter.com/kTbmQ2GEAK

— Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz (@KosiniakKamysz) December 17, 2025

The Polish Armed Forces plan to operate a total of 32 AW149 helicopters once deliveries are complete. According to the minister, the expansion of the helicopter fleet is aimed at enhancing Poland’s defence capabilities amid evolving security challenges.

The AW149 is designed for day-and-night operations and can perform a wide range of missions, including troop transport, close air support, combat operations, maritime and combat search and rescue, as well as serving as an airborne command post. Its equipment includes surveillance systems, small arms, guided and unguided missiles, and integrated self-defence systems.

The helicopter is already in operational service with the armed forces of Egypt and Thailand.

By Sabina Mammadli