Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/483661
aviation one) is a possibility to transport 12 fully armed soldiers – one does not predict at the same time additional points for complying with it. As a part of the procedure a commission will analyze submitted documents and make a selection of the best offer and then tests of the helicopter in country are expected. Signing a contract is expected in the second half of 2015. Taking into account a current geopolitical situation in the region, for a purchase of 70 helicopters have impact not only military factors, but also economic and political. No access to the tender documentation, at least to the distribution list or tactical and technical requirements, means that political considerations can be significant in final determination of the winner. A procurement of 70 utility helicopters is just a beginning of the program of the thorough modernization of the helicopter fleet of the Polish Army. Now, it has been already known that it will be followed by further ones. The next tender will be connected with acquiring the assault helicopters which will replace Mil Mi-24 Hind in action used in the 1st Aviation Brigade of the Polish Land Forces – a program was launched last year, when the Inspectorate of Armament began a technical dialogue with possible partners. Due to the situation in Ukraine, what creates a positive political situation for buying military equipment in Poland, we can expect announcing a tender in this year, and at the latest in the next year. A list of the potential suppliers will comprise all manufacturers of the aircraft in this class: the US Boeing (AH-64E Apache) and the Bell Helicopters (AH-1Z Viper), the European Airbus Helicopters (Tiger), the Italian AgustaWestland (AW129 Mangusta) and maybe the Turkish licenced variant from TAI (T129 ATAK). The third program, which most probably will be launched until 2020, will be a purchase of about 24 heavy transport helicopters – taking into account preliminary requirements it will be an American- American fight. We talk about a popular Boeing CH-47F Chinook and developed, at the order of the United States Marine Corps, Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion. In both cases that will be tenders with a value of about 2 billion USD.