Press Release

Issued by PZL-Swidnik.

December 18, 2015

PZL-Świdnik, an AgustaWestland company, is pleased to announce that the Uganda Police Force Air Wing completed the process of acceptance of a GrandNew and a W-3A Sokol helicopter during an official ceremony recently attended by the President of Uganda, Mr. Yoweri Museveni, and other high-ranking Ugandan state officials, and by representatives of PZL-Świdnik and Finmeccanica-AgustaWestland. The two helicopters were delivered in accordance with a contract signed between PZL-Świdnik and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Uganda in June 2014. The aircraft will be used to perform law enforcement missions. PZL-Świdnik will also deliver to the customer a comprehensive training and support package for the helicopters. 

With these aircraft Finmeccanica-AgustaWestland and PZL-Świdnik mark an important milestone of delivering the 100th helicopter for the African commercial and para-public helicopter market. The Finmeccanica-AgustaWestland/PZL-Swidnik helicopter fleet is being used to perform a wide range of missions including law enforcement, emergency medical services, corporate and executive transport, search and rescue, offshore transport and harbour pilot shuttle.

The W-3A Sokol is a highly effective, rugged and reliable aircraft capable of operating in all types of climates and environmental conditions. The version delivered to Uganda has been equipped with a cargo hook, rescue hoist, search light, loudspeaker system, rappelling kit, FLIR camera, provisions for firefighting equipment and an emergency floatation system. The GrandNew helicopter was chosen for its unparalleled performance and advanced technology providing superior mission capabilities and safety in adverse operating conditions. The configuration delivered to the Uganda Police Force has been equipped with a cargo hook, search light and loud speaker system.