Leonardo AW149

Leonardo AW149

Type: helicopter

Domain: air

Country of Origin: Italy

Manufacturer: Leonardo Helicopters

First Deployed: 2026

Overview

Poland contracted for 32 AW149 medium twin-engine multirole helicopters in 2023 to replace aging Mi-8/17 Soviet-origin utility helicopters in Polish Army service. The AW149 is powered by two GE CT7-2E1 turboshaft engines (2,000 shp each), carries 18 troops or equivalent cargo, and achieves 290 km/h maximum speed with 800+ km range. The Western-standard avionics suite is NVG-compatible and NATO C2 interoperable. The aircraft will serve in troop transport, CASEVAC, and combat search-and-rescue roles. The transition from Russian-origin Mi-8/17 logistics to an Italian-Western support chain is a deliberate strategic choice as Poland decouples from Soviet-era equipment.

Technical Specifications

crew2 + 18 troops
range~800 km
engines2x GE CT7-2E1 (2,000 shp each)
max_speed290 km/h

Operators

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