Airbus Helicopters plans to deploy its H145M twin-engine light helicopter under a partnership with Babcock and CAE for a proposal to modernize rotary-wing training for the Polish Air Force.
The three companies signed a memorandum of understanding combining their expertise to offer Poland a complete package of military helicopters and associated training support. Under the deal, Babcock will handle training activities for the helicopter training platform while CAE will provide the simulation programs.
Babcok said the H145M is the military version of the H145 that has logged over 8 million flight hours, with law enforcers among its users globally. Recent buyers of the H145M include Ireland and Belgium.
Air Force University Support
Ludovic Boistot, Eastern Europe head of sales at Airbus Helicopters, expressed confidence that the partnership can deliver the “best multirole helicopter and the best training conditions” in modernizing schooling for future rotary-wing pilots at the Polish Air Force University in Deblin. He described the H145 as the “perfect four-ton class, dual-use helicopter” designed for and already used in wide-ranging NATO and European allies’ military missions.
Jo Rayson, managing director of Babcock’s training business, is also optimistic about the partnership’s proposal gaining Polish approval, noting that the company is already supporting the construction of the Polish Navy’s Miecznik frigate.
Thibaut Trancart, CAE Defense & Security’s EMEA vice president and general manager, said the advanced technology and expertise the company brings to the partnership will enhance the Polish defense forces’ operational readiness. He noted that CAE already has 75 years of experience training defense forces worldwide. The company’s “cutting-edge helicopter training and simulation solutions empower defense forces to develop essential skills and best practices for live missions,” the executive said.