The Polish government is considering acquiring heavy-lift helicopters to improve its logistics capabilities, Polish National Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said.
According to a Defense News report, the minister named Boeing’s CH-47F Chinook among the aircraft being considered. Boeing’s Chinook tandem rotor design offers increased stability and control, making the aircraft ideal for loading and unloading even in less-than-ideal environments.
Kosiniak-Kamysz noted that the large helicopters will efficiently support the Polish military’s missions of transporting cargo or troops in difficult-to-access areas. He also highlighted the capabilities offered by heavy-lift helicopters during disaster relief operations. In September, Warsaw deployed an estimated 14,000 soldiers to assist with recovery operations after the country experienced widespread flooding in its southwestern regions.
If the deal pushes through, the heavy-lift helicopter purchase will follow Warsaw’s 96 AH-64E Apache combat helicopters deal with Boeing, which received U.S. approval in August.