Aircraft
H225M Passes Polish Flight Tests: Contract for 50 Awaited
Concerns over the lack of local industrial participation remain, but the previous F-16 offset deal has passed muster.
The Airbus Helicopters H225M Caracal has passed a flight evaluation by the Polish MoD, and should now secure the planned 50-unit order. (Photo: Chris Pocock)
The Airbus Helicopters H225M Caracal has passed a flight evaluation by the Polish MoD, and should now secure the planned 50-unit order. (Photo: Chris Pocock)

After a series of flight demonstrations in Poland last month, the country has confirmed its choice of the Airbus Helicopters H225M Caracal as its new medium multirole helicopter. The move comes despite concerns raised by some Polish politicians that the Airbus bid does not match that of AgustaWestland or Sikorsky for local industrial participation. However, their concerns might have been eased by news that Lockheed Martin has met all its offset commitments with respect to the sale of 48 F-16C/D Block 52s to Poland in 2006 to 2008, the country’s previous largest defense acquisition.