base underwent an upgrade comparable with
that of the F-16 bases. New hangars were built,
together with pilot accommodation, a military
airport building and tower. However, it will be
some time before the Bielik becomes the basic
workhorse for aviation training. Withdrawal
of the TS-11 is planned for 2021-22.
Two versions of the PZL-130 initial trainer
are in use: 12 examples of the TC-1 and
16 of the TC-2. The latter are currently in
use while the TC-1s are being modernised
by PZL Warszawa-Okęcie in Warsaw.
They are emerging to TC-2 Advancedstandard, essentially similar to the TC-2.
A first upgraded machine was delivered
this August. Compared with the TC-1, the
comprehensive modernisation adds a
new PT6A-25C engine with a four-blade
Hartzell propeller, new wings and rear
fuselage and a limited avionics upgrade –
but not a full glass cockpit. Improvement
work is scheduled to finish in 2020.
Helicopter training is the responsibility of
the SW-4 Puszczyk (tawny owl). A total of 23
examples were bought between 2006 and
2010 but one was lost in an accident last year.AFMhttp://www.airforcesmonthly.com #369 DECEMBER 2018 // 55
The future
The SP may be the best financed of Poland’s
air arms, due to its size and variety of tasks,
but it also faces serious modernisation
issues. The most important of these concerns
replacement of the MiG-29 and Su-22 (29
and 18 aircraft respectively). The programme
to acquire a successor is called Harpia and
is at the analytical-conceptual stage.
Both the Fulcrum and Fitter were grounded
after July’s crash of a Malbork MiG and the
loss of a relatively experienced pilot (this being
the type’s first fatal accident in Poland). Since
the Su-22 uses the same K-36DM ejection
seat, this type was also grounded, but the
order had been lifted by the end of September.
The F-16V and F-35A are among potential
successors to the MiG-29 and Su-22. However,
it seems unlikely that three squadrons (48 aircraft)
will be purchased for a one-to-one replacement.
It’s unclear whether the MiG-29 loss will
accelerate a decision; based on the initial Harpia
schedule, selection should take place around- Another possibility is that the Fulcrum
and Fitter are withdrawn without replacement.
Against this backdrop, the situation of
the transport fleet looks more positive.
After acquiring VIP aircraft, two potential
requirements were identified. The first is a
strategic transport to replace the ageing
C-130E. Extending their service by another
five years would require an additional year in
the Bydgoszcz repair facilities and wouldn’t
address all the issues connected with the
airframes, which are now almost 50 years
old. It’s doubtful that a specific solution will
appear in the near future, and the strategic
transport burden will continue to be carried
by the C-130E and C295M crews.
The situation most likely to be resolved in
the near term is replacement of the 7. eds
helicopter fleet. The cancelled 2015 contract
for H225Ms would have provided the unit
with eight Caracals from a total of 50 ordered,
plus one of the simulators. The incoming
government set up a new procedure identifying
an ‘urgent operational need’, with the aim of
purchasing eight special forces helicopters.
The H225M, S-70i and AW101 competed,
but again the plan was axed. According to
statements from the defence ministry, the
helicopter requirement will be addressed again
soon, but no timeline has been announced.
Another option is to put the 7. eds under
the direct responsibility of the reactivated
Command of Special Forces in Kraków.
In terms of training, the 4. SLSz is on track to
field a fleet of 16 M-346s and 28 Orlik TC-2s.
Looking further ahead, it’s still possible
the M-346 fleet will be expanded by
procuring a combat version – the
M-346FT or ’FA – to replace the Su-22.
However, this hasn’t progressed beyond
preliminary discussions and analyses.