Lockheed Martin raises the stakes in air force tender

American negotiators attempting to convince Poland to opt for F-16 fighters in the tender for multi-purpose aircraft for the air force have improved their offset offer. As a result, not only the Polish military but also small and medium-sized companies stand to benefit if the F-16 is chosen. As an initial step, the American side has promised to sponsor a major promotion of Poland among American companies. According to William E. Perkins, deputy president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, which is leading the bid, the promotion will take place within the next few weeks. Perkins also committed his team to supporting a number of projects in Poland. "We will present the Polish government with projects relating to such sectors as telecommunications, energy, environmental protection, infrastructure, and agriculture and the food products industry," he explained. He also said he would propose that an investment fund be set up to support Poland's small and medium-sized business sector. The F-16 group is also considering capital investments in domestic arms plants. (Puls Biznesu, p. 3) P.J.