PARIS, June 18 (UPI) -- A new training program for Polish air force pilots and maintenance personnel is being eyed by Lockheed Martin UK.
The company says it has submitted a bid for the Integrated Aircrew Training Program, which includes creating a new training center in Poland.
"Under Lockheed Martin's proposal, Polish air force pilots will graduate through a completely new training program," Lockheed said. "It would be an affordable, modern, technology-based system, producing highly capable, agile and adaptable aircrew to protect Poland's national sovereignty and NATO interests."
Lockheed Martin UK and Babcock International, through their joint venture Ascent Flight Training, already introduced a similar training system for the British military in Wales.
In its bid for the Polish contract, Lockheed has partnered with Poland's WZL 2 Bydgoszcz, which would be responsible for maintenance, repair and overhaul of T-50 advanced jet trainers used in the program.
"The T-50 is the ideal training partner for Poland's modern F-16 fleet and fifth-generation fighters such as the F-35 Lightning II," said Al Potter, the United Kingdom and Europe director for Lockheed Martin's Mission Systems and Training business. "It has the ability to shape the future direction of Poland's aircrew training system for the next 20 to 30 years.
"Support equipment required for the T-50 is similar to that already used for Polish air force F-16s and this reduces costs. In addition, the aircraft's digital systems can easily be upgraded and adapted to suit emerging training needs over its service life, generating further long-term cost savings."
Lockheed Martin UK announced its bid at the Paris Air Show.
