HAI crisis causes concern for Lockheed Martin
Operational and production problems at state-run Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) in Greece may prompt Lockheed Martin to seek a new provider of C-130J and F-16 components.
A skills shortage in the workforce and labour disputes are said to be hampering production of parts for the aircraft. Employees have gone on strike because of reduced benefits, and HAI lacks a managing director.
Adonis Georgiadis, Minister of Development and Investment, has told Greek media outlets that the issues would be resolved by the end of 2020.
The consequences of forfeiting involvement in Lockheed programmes would be severe for HAI, as these account for about 80% of its current workload.
Work for the Hellenic Air Force on P-3B Orion aircraft is in jeopardy, as is the plan from 2021 onwards to modernise 84 F-16C/D Block 52s to the F-16V configuration under a $279 million contract for Lockheed.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Defence Notes
-
Why is the defence market “exploding exponentially” for autonomous targeting capabilities?
Solutions that identify, engage and destroy targets with minimal or no human intervention are becoming critical on tomorrow’s battlefield.
-
Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan
The new plan outlined how Spain would reach 2% of its GDP spend on defence by 2025, with €1.9 billion earmarked for new equipment acquisition with several land, naval and air platforms disclosed to be replaced or upgraded.
-
New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia
This budget will be spent over the next four years and nearly doubles the country’s defence spending as part of GDP to 2%.
-
UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”
Rachel Reeves announced port upgrades, protected budgets for innovation and investment in novel technologies.
-
Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees
The Australian Budget was marked by tax cuts and a looming general election which led to little hope that there would be a substantial defence boost even with a big bill for nuclear submarines due.