HAI crisis causes concern for Lockheed Martin
Will Hellenic Aerospace Industry survive as a component production partner 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.
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