Poland fixes purchase schedule for both fixed and non fixed wing equipment

Published: 6/15/1999

The Polish government in Warsaw has fixed a purchase schedule for aviation equipment for the Polish Air Force, as well helicopters for the Polish Army. By the end of June 1999, it will issue official invitations for manufacturers to tender for 40-64 attack helicopters. It is expected that four designs will bid. These comprise the Agusta A-129, the Bell AH-1W, the Boeing AH-64 and the Eurocopter Tiger. The final selection will be made before end of 1999 and the winning manufacturer will be expected to particpate in the privatisation of the Swidnik aviation factory. Some 50 W-3W/WA Sokol support helicopters will also be purchased. Swidnik has already started negotiations with Bell and Agusta about a possible take-over, and meetings have also taken place with Eurocopter. Soon after helicopter bid commences, the government in Warsaw will issue another invitation to bid for 50-60 multirole fighters, which are to be selected by the middle of 2000. Second hand aircraft are expected to enter into service with the Polish Air Force by 2001 at the latest. New aircraft are expected to reach operational units by year 2004, although initially there will be only three squadrons equipped with the type to allow Poland to meet its NATO requirements. Further purchases should be complete by 2012, and with the additional 100 planes, the modernisation of the PAF should be complete. Some $1.5 billion is dedicated for initial batch of fighters but there has been no indication of any corresponding investment in infrastructure or armament, both of which are necessary to ensure safe and effective operation. Cancellation of Russian-manufactured equipment, currently in operation, is expected by 2007, despite the fact that both Su-22s and MiG-29s could stay in front line squadrons until 2010 or 2015. The $1.5 billion sum suggests that the key contenders are the F-16 and the JAS-39. Boeing has effectively lost its leading position, and the Mirage 2000-5 has never been seriously considered as a realistic option. Over and above the two tenders, there is still a need for six VIP planes, which are to be introduced into service with the Warsaw-based VIP regiment in 2000.

Article ID: 587