The Polish National Police has placed an order for two more S70i Black Hawks, which, when deliveries are complete in 2024, will increase its fleet to five. The “i” variant S-70s are built by Lockheed Martin’s PZL Mielec subsidiary. According to PZL Mielec President Janusz Zakrecki, “The Black Hawk’s multi-role mission flexibility is key to meeting the needs of the Polish National Police. We bring a deep understanding of our customers’ missions to deliver the best solution for their needs. This contract is another important milestone, given that this valued customer is growing its fleet of Black Hawks, which demonstrates the police’s trust in our helicopters.”
Like the earlier aircraft, the two new aircraft will be utilised on a variety of mission profiles, including counter-terrorism, border patrol, search and rescue as well as firefighting. “We were very keen on a multi-role helicopter due to the fact that in 2016, Polish police were entrusted with tasks in the field of counter-terrorist activities, which is why the purchase of Black Hawks was an absolute necessity,” Police Commander-in-Chief Gen. Insp. Jarosław Szymczyk said during the ceremony. “The Black Hawks we use are very reliable. I am convinced that the employees of PZL Mielec put their hearts into them, thanks to which they serve us so well.”
