Poland ditches plan to buy US helicopters

Poland has scrapped plans to purchase American S-70i Black Hawk helicopters as Warsaw rethinks its defense strategy in light of a potential Russian threat.

In recent months, Poland has significantly ramped up its military budget, responding to NATO assessments that a Russian attack on the alliance could be likely in the coming years.

General Wiesław Kukuła, Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces, explained that the army is adjusting its procurement priorities.

"The aim of these changes is to better adapt to the challenges of the future battlefield," Kukuła told reporters.

According to the general, Poland will now prioritize the acquisition of training and combat helicopters, multipurpose helicopters capable of landing on ships, heavy transport helicopters for its ground forces, and search and rescue aircraft.

Grzegorz Polak, a spokesperson for the Polish Armament Agency, also told Reuters that Poland could ultimately redirect spending toward drones or tanks instead.

(QG - Source: Newsweek - Picture : © Unsplash)