Lockheed Martin, in partnership with Aerostar S.A., today announced their plans to open a Black Hawk helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Bacau, Romania.
Following a contract signed between the two companies in January, the Black Hawk MRO facility is on track to be fully accredited and operational when the first of seven S-70 Black Hawk helicopters begin arriving in Romania later this year. Romania’s Ministry of Internal Affairs signed a framework agreement for a fleet of up to 12 Black Hawks in November of 2021 to serve the country’s emergency service’s needs.
“This facility, when operational, will contribute to the creation and sustainment of high-skilled jobs in Romania,” said Ray Piselli, vice president of international business at Lockheed Martin. “It will also enable increased readiness and lower operational costs for Black Hawk helicopters operated here. As we look to integrate support for other Lockheed Martin products we anticipate this facility has strong potential for future growth.”
Having completed an audit of Aerostar and its facilities, Lockheed Martin is awaiting a review of the facility plans by Romanian authorities. Aerostar employees have already completed necessary MRO training at Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky Training Academy in West Palm Beach, Florida, USA.
“Through this new capability, Aerostar shall continue and follow the road to take on the MRO activities required for the new aircraft in Romania and in the region. We want to strengthen Romania’s position in this market and we rely on our technical capabilities and knowledge to stimulate cooperation with other Romanian companies in this field,” said Grigore Filip, President and CEO at Aerostar.
Built at Lockheed Martin’s PZL Mielec facility in Poland, the highly sought after S-70 Black Hawk has earned its standing as the trusted utility aircraft for operators worldwide, featuring unmatched multi-mission versatility and military-grade airworthiness capable of operating in extreme weather conditions, day or night.
