Poland eyes broader defence ties with Philippines after helicopter deal success

Poland is pursuing expanded defence sales to the Philippines following the successful delivery of Black Hawk helicopters, with Warsaw pitching reconnaissance and combat drones, radar equipment, anti-aircraft missiles and armoured personnel carriers to Manila.

Polish deputy foreign minister Wladyslaw Bartoszewski said Warsaw was keen to pursue further defence partnerships with the Philippines, as Poland poured US$50 billion into strengthening its defence industry and expanding exports. He made the comments after the Philippines completed delivery of its final seven S-70i Black Hawk helicopters in August.

Black Hawk deal opens door

Manila acquired 32 of the helicopters in a US$509.6 million deal signed in 2022 with PZL Mielec, a Polish subsidiary of Sikorsky, which is owned by US defence contractor Lockheed Martin. The delivery has given Warsaw a foothold in Manila's defence market as it seeks to expand exports from its growing defence industry.

Analysts say drones, air defence and potentially co-production could pave the way for a broader partnership between the two countries. Bartoszewski said a Philippine military delegation had recently visited Poland to explore other potential acquisitions.

Warsaw is targeting drones, air defence and artillery exports to Manila as European rearmament fuels global arms ambitions. Poland's delivery of Black Hawk helicopters to the Philippines has positioned it to pursue deeper defence ties with the Southeast Asian nation.

Source: South China Morning Post