Poland Pursues Expanded Philippines Defence Exports After Black Hawk Delivery
Poland is looking to strengthen its defence partnership with the Philippines after finishing the delivery of S-70i Black Hawk helicopters. On Tuesday, Wladyslaw Bartoszewski, the Polish Deputy Foreign Minister, mentioned that Poland is eager to deepen these ties, especially with a planned US$50 billion investment in its defence industry and export growth. The Philippines received its final batch of seven helicopters in August, completing a deal for 32 aircraft worth US$509.6 million with PZL Mielec, a Sikorsky subsidiary. Bartoszewski indicated Poland's interest in providing drones, radar systems, anti-aircraft missiles, and armoured vehicles. A recent visit from a Philippine military team to Poland discussed potential future purchases, with analysts predicting that drones and air defence could enhance their collaboration.
Key facts
- Poland's deputy foreign minister Wladyslaw Bartoszewski said on Tuesday that Warsaw wanted further defence partnerships with the Philippines.
- The Philippines completed delivery of its final seven S-70i Black Hawk helicopters in August.
- Manila acquired 32 helicopters in a US$509.6 million deal signed in 2022 with PZL Mielec.
- PZL Mielec is a Polish subsidiary of Sikorsky, owned by US defence contractor Lockheed Martin.
- Poland has poured US$50 billion into strengthening its defence industry and expanding exports.
- Bartoszewski said Poland wanted to sell reconnaissance and combat drones, radar equipment, anti-aircraft missiles and armoured personnel carriers to Manila, according to Reuters.
- A Philippine military delegation recently visited Poland to explore other potential acquisitions.
- Analysts said drones, air defence and potentially co-production could pave the way for a broader partnership.
Entities
Artists
- Wladyslaw Bartoszewski
Institutions
- PZL Mielec
- Sikorsky
- Lockheed Martin
- Philippine Air Force
- Reuters
Locations
- Poland
- Warsaw
- Philippines
- Manila
- Villamor Air Base
- Metro Manila