The Demblin branch of the Polish military aircraft factory WZL No. 1 received an order for the repair of Soviet-designed TV3-117 turbo-engines (Design Bureau named after Klimov). These engines are currently equipped with Mi-8 and Mi-24 helicopters., which continue to be in service with the Polish Air Force.
In Poland, do not hide, that recently in the country there are problems with the maintenance of military equipment, which remains in service either from Soviet times, or acquired in the early post-Soviet period - before the country's accession to NATO.
With the repair of engines of Soviet models - the problems stood apart. The thing is, that Poland in recent years does not send military and dual-use equipment for repair to the countries of the former Soviet Union (to Russia or Ukraine) and at the same time has difficulty licensing repair facilities. In this case, the refusal to send for repair, eg, to Ukraine – it is not so much a Polish whim, how much is the issue of agreements within the EU.
The Polish media write about, that today it is WZL No. 1 that is the only industrial enterprise in the country, authorized to carry out repair of engines TV3-117. According to recent reports, order to repair turboshaft engines will be about 56 million zloty (slightly less 1 billion rubles).
It is noted, that before Poland had to coordinate the repair of helicopter engines with EU structures. The reason is, that Poland should always consult with the EU on military-technical procedures, so as not to violate European antitrust laws in this area.
Besides, Poland had to ask permission from EU officials to repair its own Mi-8 helicopters. According to the latest data, EU gives approval after consultation. Mi-8 will now be repaired at the factory in Lodz. Warsaw also expects approval of plans for the modernization of Mi-24 helicopters.
