The Polish Navy has welcomed a new generation of helicopters dedicated to anti-submarine warfare and search-and-rescue operations. Four AW101 aircraft will replace the long-serving Mi-14s, which for decades formed the backbone of naval aviation in the Baltic region.

The contract for the delivery of four helicopters was concluded in 2019. The first aircraft took to the skies in Italy in 2021, and the initial units were transferred to Poland at the end of 2023. Valued at approximately PLN 1.65 billion, the agreement includes not only the helicopters themselves but also a comprehensive technical support package and an offset programme that enabled WZL-1 in Łódź to prepare for the maintenance of the new fleet.

Photo: Leonardo

The AW101s have been assigned to the Naval Aviation Brigade in Darłowo, where they will perform anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and combat search and rescue (CSAR) missions.

Equipped with a maritime radar, sonar systems, infrared observation sensors, and advanced tactical communication suites, the aircraft represent a significant technological step forward. Their three engines provide enhanced power and safety, ensuring operational reliability even in demanding conditions over the Baltic.

The helicopters can be armed with 324 mm lightweight torpedoes for submarine engagement, as well as a 12.7 mm onboard machine gun, an asset during rescue operations. The Polish configuration has been tailored to combine both combat and rescue capabilities, enhancing the versatility of naval aviation assets.

Although the first AW101s are already in service, current activity suggests that only one aircraft is typically flown at a time. According to official plans, full operational capability is expected to be achieved in 2025, once training and integration processes have been completed. The contract also provides for a ten-year support package, ensuring effective sustainment of the fleet in Baltic conditions.

Photo: Leonardo

Replacing the ageing Mi-14s, the AW101s offer greater range, advanced sensors, and significantly broader mission flexibility. They provide the Navy with a platform well-suited to contemporary maritime security challenges. Importantly, their CSAR capability strengthens not only naval operations but also the broader defence posture of the Polish Armed Forces.

The coming years will be decisive in assessing how the AW101s adapt to Polish operational needs. While the acquisition of four helicopters marks a notable reinforcement of naval aviation, questions remain as to whether this number will be sufficient to fully replace the Mi-14 fleet.

Should the implementation proceed as planned, the AW101 is set to become a cornerstone of Poland’s naval aviation for decades to come, enhancing both defence and rescue capabilities in the Baltic region.

This article was prepared as part of the public task commissioned under the Government Programme for the Development of Civic Organizations 2018–2030: “Safe Poland of Tomorrow – strengthening the mission-driven activities of the Alioth Foundation.”