Under the terms of the MoU, Babcock will focus on providing training, Airbus will lead on platform design and construction, and CAE will be responsible for delivering simulation capabilities. This strategic alliance combines the expertise of three leading global defence service providers to support Poland’s modernisation efforts.
Jo Rayson, Managing Director of Babcock’s Training business, emphasised the importance of the partnership: “Our partnership presents the Polish Armed Forces with an exceptional platform backed by a proven training and support solution. Babcock is already playing a critical role on the Polish Navy’s Miecznik frigate programme and we’re pleased to be partnering with Airbus and CAE on this opportunity to deliver a crucial new defence capability.”
Ludovic Boistot, Head of Sales Eastern Europe and CIS at Airbus Helicopters, highlighted the capabilities of the H145 helicopter: “The H145 is the perfect four-tonne class dual-use helicopter, equipped to perform a wide range of military missions, including training, disaster relief, search and rescue, special forces, light attack, and more. It’s been used for these missions by key NATO and European allies of Poland such as the US, UK, and Germany.”
Boistot expressed confidence in the joint approach, stating: “We are confident that together with our training partners Babcock and CAE, who are world-renowned companies in the fields of military training, we will provide the Polish military with the best multirole helicopter and the best training conditions to modernise the Air Force University of Deblin for their future Apache and other rotary-wing pilots.”
Thibaut Trancart, Vice President and General Manager of CAE Defense & Security, EMEA, stressed the training aspect of the partnership: “With more than 75 years of experience and a global presence as the training partner of choice for defence forces worldwide, our cutting-edge helicopter training and simulation solutions empower defence forces to develop essential skills and best practices for live missions.”
He added: “Ensuring superior training outcomes, CAE’s advanced technology and expertise, together with Airbus and Babcock, will support and enhance the mission and operational readiness of Poland’s defence forces – our team will be instrumental in this effort.”
The H145M, the military variant of Airbus’s H145 helicopter, has proven itself through more than eight million flight hours worldwide. It is renowned for its adaptability and reliability, having been deployed in various military and law enforcement operations globally.
