Company Executive Highlights Access To Advanced Technology,
Supply Contracts, Jobs For Poland
Poland's plans to procure a new advanced jet training system can
act as a catalyst for Polish industry in a number of industrial
sectors, not just in aerospace and defence, according to Alan
Garwood, group business development director at BAE Systems.
Hawk Trainer File Photo
Speaking ahead of his company's participation in the MSPO
defence exhibition in Kielce (September 6-9) Garwood said that a
key requirement for the Polish government should be ensuring that
large defence procurements, such as the advanced jet trainer
program, sustain Polish jobs and support the development of skills
and high-end technology transfer, through mutually beneficial
industrial partnerships.
"BAE Systems delivers on its promises and has an unrivalled
track record of producing economic and industrial benefits for its
customers, in support of defence equipment sales," Garwood says.
"If our Hawk advanced jet trainer is selected to meet Poland's new
generation pilot training requirements, it will present
opportunities for Polish industry to become part of a global
supplier network, not just of BAE Systems but also its partners
such as Rolls-Royce, which already has a significant presence in
Poland.
"This would give Polish companies access to and involvement in
the development of the latest emerging technologies in both the
defence and commercial business sectors," he said.
In neighbouring Czech Republic, where BAE Systems is delivering
a 10 year, $1.3 billion industrial partnership program in support
of the Gripen fighter lease, delivery is approaching 80 percent of
requirement, some 2 years ahead of plan.
"Our approach has been to provide Czech companies with access to
inward investment, export promotion, research and development and
manufacturing opportunities, linked to the global footprint of BAE
Systems and its supplier base," states Garwood.
BAE Systems will be using its participation in MSPO Kielce to
highlight its capabilities in the land systems, security and
aerospace sectors, with a particular focus on its ability to meet
Poland's stated need for a new fast jet pilot training system. The
company's Hawk advanced jet trainer is already training frontline
pilots to fly the world's most advanced and capable combat
aircraft, including F16 Block 50/60, F18 Super Hornet, F35, Su30,
Gripen and Eurofighter Typhoon. Air powers ranging from Australia
to the United States, with 20 others in between, choose Hawk to
meet their lead-in fighter trainer requirements.