The long-running battle to win Poland's fighter competition has entered the final phase, with Dassault and Saab/BAE Systems officially unveiling their industrial offset proposals ahead of a final decision by the end of the December. Lockheed Martin, the third contender in the race, has already presented its package.
The Saab/BAE proposal spans 85 different programmes. Local manufacturer PZL Mielec would co-produce Gripen fuselage sections as well as carrying out final assembly. PZL Swidnik would manufacture the fighter's wings, while a regional maintenance centre would be established at WZL-2. Warsaw-based WZL-4 would undertake engine maintenance, partnering Volvo.
The company has been able to improve its collaboration package due to the Czech Republic's decision to cancel its Gripen order. Mielec's work would not be limited to Poland's planned 48-aircraft order, but could include the assembly of aircraft for other nations. Simulator manufacturer ETC-PZL would have regional training responsibilities.
Other beneficiaries of a Gripen selection would include hydraulics specialist Hydral of Wroclaw, while Polish radar specialist PIT and Radwar plan to collaborate with Ericsson. Polish companies would also be invited to participate in future Gripen research and development efforts such as upgrades. BAE and its South African partner Denel are supporting sales of the PZL M28 Skytruck aimed at Africa.
Rafael, which is hoping to supply the Python IV air-to-air missile (AAM), has already confirmed that it will increase its offset following purchase of NT-S antitank missiles.
Dassault also plans to set up a Mirage 2000-5 Mk2 final assembly line at Mielec, while Swidnik is looking at component-level work for the fighter and other aircraft such as Airbus A320 undercarriages for Messier-Dowty and Messier-Bugatti. Final assembly and support of Snecma M53-P2 engines would be done by WZL-4, while PZL Kalish would work with Hispano Suisa. Rzeszow would get civil engine work.
Dassault is offering to support the Mielec I-22 Iryda programme, including worldwide marketing, while Snecma wants to re-engine the trainer with the Larzac 02. The MBDA Mica AAM would be locally produced and supported and parts for the RDY-2 radars locally sourced. Warsaw-based Technological Academy is looking at developing the Mirage's electronic warfare systems.
Source: Flight International
