Poland announced the suspension of the purchase process of 32 American S-70i Black Hawk helicopters for the needs of its army.
This was reported at a joint press conference by Deputy Minister of Defense Pavel Bade and the chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Poland Vislav Kukul, reports the Polish public broadcaster TVP World.
Baida emphasized that the procurement process was initiated by the previous government, but the final agreement was never signed. “We did not terminate any contract. We closed the process related to the purchase of S -70i Black Hawk helicopters. This decision is based on the analysis of the current geopolitical situation and the development of military events in Ukraine,” he said.
The representative of the department added that the cancellation is not a termination of the contract, but only the completion of the incomplete process in accordance with the new priorities of the country.
The head of the General Staff of the Poland, Vislav Kukul, noted that the army is changing priorities in helicopter programs and will focus on the procurement of educational, shock, sea and heavy transport helicopters in order to better prepare for the challenges of future conflicts.
Previously, it was planned to purchase 32 S-70i Black Hawk helicopters of American production with production location at the Polish Air Building Company PZL Mielec.