Sikorsky signs Black Hawk agreement with PGZ

FARNBOROUGH, England, July 12 (UPI) -- Sikorsky subsidiary PZL Mielec has signed a memorandum of understanding with Polish defense group Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa, or PGZ, for S-70i Black Hawk helicopters, Sikorsky announced Tuesday.

Under the agreement, PGZ companies would play a significant role in the helicopter program if Sikorsky and PZL Mielec are chosen by the Polish government to provide a fleet of multi-role helicopters, Lockheed Martin subsidiary Sikorsky said in a statement.

PGZ would support the positioning of the S-70i Black Hawk helicopters in Poland as well as potential export markets in central and eastern Europe.

The deal would extend Lockheed's involvement with Polish industry in Black Hawk development and testing.

PZL Mielec employs 1,560 employees in Poland, with thousands more in the Polish supply chain sustained by Black Hawk helicopter production, the company said.

Other Lockheed Martin businesses are in discussion with PGZ regarding involvement in programs that span air, sea, missile defense, weapons and artillery systems, the company said.