General Atomics

Babcock and WZL 1 to boost Polish helicopter training and support

Babcock International Group and Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze No. 1 (WZL 1) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Warsaw to explore the development of a joint sustainment and support centre for the Polish Armed Forces’ helicopter fleet, alongside a technical training centre designed to enhance operational readiness and long-term capability.

Image courtesy Babcock International Group 
 
The announcement follows the Strategic Cooperation Agreement signed earlier this month at MSPO in Kielce between Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa SA and Babcock to expand collaboration across sea and air domains. 
 
WZL 1, an operating company which is part of Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa SA will work together with Babcock to develop a solution that will ensure that the Polish industry can independently maintain and support modern helicopters, while also training technical personnel to the highest standards. 
 
Pierre Basquin, CEO of Babcock’s Aviation Sector, said: “A fully prepared and ready to deploy helicopter fleet, plays a central role in Poland’s national and international security and together with WZL 1 we will deliver operational excellence and offer a competitive solution that will support Poland’s growing defence capabilities. 
 
“This partnership marks a significant step forward in strengthening Poland’s defence autonomy and we are proud to work with WZL 1 on this exciting opportunity.” 
 
Babcock already has an established presence Poland and operates as Babcock Polska from Gdynia and Warsaw, where it works closely with the PGZ-Miecznik consortium as the platform design provider and technology partner for Poland’s Miecznik shipbuilding programme. 
 

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