Poland eyes deeper Philippines defence ties following Black Hawk deal

Poland’s delivery of Black Hawk helicopters to the Philippines has given Warsaw a foothold in Manila’s defence market as it seeks to expand exports from its growing defence industry, with analysts saying drones, air defence and potentially co-production could pave the way for a broader partnership.

Polish deputy foreign minister Wladyslaw Bartoszewski said on Tuesday that 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.

His comments came after the Philippines completed the delivery of its final seven S-70i Black Hawk helicopters in August. 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.

Bartoszewski said Poland wanted to sell reconnaissance and combat drones, radar equipment, anti-aircraft missiles and armoured personnel carriers to Manila, Reuters reported. He added that a Philippine military delegation had recently visited Poland to explore other potential acquisitions.