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.

FMI: www.baesystems.com