The debate over Polish helicopter requirements was renewed last week, during a conference organized by the National Centre of Strategic Studies. This is a think tank associated with the new ruling party, Law and Justice. After it won the elections held in Poland last October, the party continued its opposition to the choice of the Airbus Helicopters H225M Caracal as the country’s new medium multirole helicopter and declined to confirm the contract for 50. An official communiqué said that the contract is dependent on the offset negotiations.

Representatives of Finmeccanica Helicopters (formerly AgustaWestland), Airbus Helicopters and Sikorsky all presented their products and future plans, stressing their involvement in the local industry or research and development. Some of their points were contested by other participants.

Speakers from France and the U.S. discussed combat experiences with Apache, Caracal, Tiger and Viper helicopters, and Ukrainian army aviation commander Maj. Gen. Valentin Pistryuha briefed delegates on the combat operations during the conflict in the east of the country, in the presence of strong anti-aircraft defenses including Pantsir-S1 or 9K333 Verba systems. Pistryuha stressed the need for new tactics, as well as deep modernization of helicopters. 

The present Polish military program was most seriously criticized. According to the analysis, the number of modern helicopters should be increased to 270, including 120 multi-purpose, 130 ground-attack and 20 heavy transport. As a temporary solution, Poland should retain W-3, Mi-8/17, and Mi-24 helicopters, providing necessary life extensions and modernizations to allow smooth transition onto the new types. 

The naval aviation program was most seriously criticized during the conference. The present anti-submarine warfare capabilities were found insufficient. It was also noted that the Navy had seemingly abandoned the SAR role, by not ordering replacement helicopters. The head of the National Defence Committee, Michał Jach, advised delegates that all the conclusions resulting from the conference will be carefully analyzed.