In a deal brokered in Warsaw in the first week of January, the rival bidders for Poland's $600 million PZL-Swidnik Huzar helicopter, Boeing and Elbit, have agreed to participate jointly in the programme, a move aimed at breeching a political impasse.
Sources in Israel and Poland confirm that Elbit has agreed with Boeing that the US company could supply some systems for the Israeli package. Boeing had been offering international avionics, incorporating any anti-tank missile Poland chooses, while Israel has offered Israeli avionics and Rafael's NT-D missile. The deal, however, is dependent on the Polish Government confirming the selection of Israel as avionics and weapons-systems supplier for the Huzar.
The previous, ex-Communist, Polish Government controversially signed an agreement selecting the Israeli consortium of Elbit, El Op and Rafael as partners for the programme, despite having lost the election. It concluded the agreement days before the inauguration of the new, Solidarity-led Government. The decision was then suspended and an inquiry initiated.
The Government is to announce its selection of a partner for the programme on 20 January.
Source: Flight International
