Poland eyes deeper Philippines defence ties following Black Hawk deal

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 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.