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Poland’s defense minister announced on Tuesday that the country has entered into contracts to acquire Hellfire missiles, which will be used to arm its AW149 multi-role helicopters.
Additionally, Poland plans to install these missiles on Apache Guardian attack helicopters that it intends to purchase. The Hellfire missile, an air-to-ground weapon, possesses anti-armour capabilities and can also be utilized for precise drone strikes. It has seen action in combat operations carried out by the British Army, as well as the air forces of the United States and Israel.
“Today we signed a contract for the supply of Hellfire missiles. They will be used as armament for the AW149 support helicopters and, ultimately, the AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters,”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Mariusz Błaszczak wrote on Twitter.
The initial batch of AW149 helicopters is scheduled for delivery to the 25th Air Cavalry Brigade of the Polish Air Force before the conclusion of this year. Both the helicopters and the missiles are manufactured by the PSL Swidnik arms plant located in southeastern Poland.
Poland had previously expressed its intention to procure 96 AH-64 Apache helicopters from the United States last year; however, the delivery date remains undetermined, pending the approval of the deal by the US Congress.
The AW149 helicopters will serve a variety of purposes, including the transportation and support of infantry units, as well as participation in search and rescue missions.