PZL-Świdnik files law suit after failed helicopter bid

The ministry chose the French helicopters Caracal for tests, with second stage negotiations ongoing.

PZL Świdnik (owned by AgustaWestland), with its AW 149, PZL Mielec (Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation), with Blackhawks, and Airbus Helicopters (EC 725 Caracal) were in the tender to supply multi-functional helicopters to the Polish army.

The applications of PZL Mielec and PZL Świdnik were declined by the government for “formal reasons.”

PZL Świdnik said in May the value of its offer in the tender was EUR 4 billion.

Poland will now likely buy 70 helicopters from the French producer, rather than the British-Italian AgustaWestland AW149 or American Black Hawk S-70i.

In PZL-Świdnik’s view, there were “serious breaches” in the tender procedure, but said that these “couldn’t be discussed publicly due to their delicate character.”

“We are deeply convinced that these injustices and breaches, which are included in the law suit, are in contradiction to the principles of competition, leading to a decision being taken that is not in the best interest of the Armed Forces of the Polish Republic, the Polish air sector and Polish taxpayers,” a company statement reads.

PZL-Świdnik now also reportedly plans to lay-off 800 workers in the next three years, Andrzej Słotwiński, a union representative told the supervisory board in early June.

The EC 725 Caracal (also known as the "Super Cougar") is a long-range tactical transport helicopter for military use. It is a twin-engined aircraft and can carry up to 29 seated troops along with two crew. It is marketed for troop transport, casualty evacuation and combat search and rescue duties. (jh)