Airbus Helicopters flew an H225M Caracal to the MSPO military trade show in Poland this week, still uncertain whether that country will confirm the purchase of 50 of them. Exhibitors were also eyeing other long-standing requirements, such as attack helicopters and armed unmanned aircraft systems. On the eve of the show, the Polish ministry of defense issued an RFP for five VIP transport aircraft.
The H225M was seleced in June 2015 for a contract worth potentially €3 billion ($3.3 billion). But the new government elected later that year did not conclude the deal. Offset negotiations continued, while the two multinational companies with established helicopter facilities in Poland (Leonardo/PZL Swidnik and Sikorsky/PZL Mielec) lobbied for it to be cancelled. Airbus noted this week that it was responsible for 900 aerospace industry jobs in Poland; is a large contributor to Polish space activities; and also manufactures and maintains the Orlik multipurpose trainer within Poland. The Polish government is expected to make a final decision on the H225M in the middle of this month.

Meanwhile, new specifications are being prepared for 32 attack helicopters, since only one bidder met the original one. Eyeing the requirement, Airbus Helicopters flew a Tiger HAD and an H145M to the MSPO show. Other possible contenders are the Boeing AH-64E Apache; Bell Helicopter/Textron AH-1Z Viper; and Leonardo/TAI T129 ATAK.

Acquisition of the five required VIP aircraft will re-establish the VIP transport unit based at Warsaw Okęcie military airbase. It was closed following the fatal crash of the Tupolev Tu-154 in 2010, since when the government has chartered Embraer E175s fro Polish airline LOT.

Two small aircraft with maximum takeoff weight of no more than 42,500 kg (94,000 pounds) are to be delivered by mid-November 2017. They shall have no fewer than 14 seats in business class and a range of at least 2,700 nm, and be capable of flying from Poland to the U.S. nonstop with eight passengers.

Three medium aircraft are also required, one pre-owned to be delivered by mid-November 2017, and two new ones to be delivered by mid-November 2020, and mid-November 2021. The pre-owned aircraft should have at least 132 seats in business and economy classes and be capable of flying from Poland to the U.S. with a single refueling. The new aircraft should have 65 seats in VIP class with a range of at least 2,900 nm, and capable of flying nonstop from Poland to the U.S. with 30 passengers. They are to be equipped with self-defense systems as well as secure communication links.

The contract shall be signed In the first months of 2017 and will include training of air and ground crew and initial maintenance support.