Poland has cancelled its procurement process for 32 additional S-70i Black Hawk helicopters for its armed forces, the Polish Armament Agency announced on Friday, signalling a potential shift in defence priorities amid evolving security concerns.
Agency spokesperson Grzegorz Polak told Reuters that the decision was driven by a reassessment of the country’s strategic needs. “Maybe it is necessary to acquire other equipment in their place, such as drones, tanks, or communication systems,” Polak said.
He added that the decision reflected a necessary “correction” in procurement strategy, prompted by changes in the geopolitical landscape and national security interests.
The cancelled deal, initiated in 2023 under the previous Law and Justice (PiS) government, involved negotiations for 32 Black Hawk helicopters manufactured by Lockheed Martin’s Polish subsidiary, PZL Mielec.
The move drew swift criticism from PiS lawmaker and former defence minister Mariusz Błaszczak, who called the decision a “disgrace” in a post on social media platform X, warning it would delay the modernisation of Poland’s helicopter fleet.
Despite the cancellation, Poland has continued to expand and modernise its military. In August 2024, the country signed a deal with the United States to acquire 96 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters. These aircraft are expected to enhance Poland’s offensive and reconnaissance capabilities and replace ageing Soviet-era Mi-24 gunships.
Polak emphasised that the Armament Agency procures equipment based on classified plans laid out by the Polish military, and does not independently determine procurement priorities.
reuters/s.s