The Polish deputy economy minister, Andrzej Szarawarski, who played a key role in the planned $3.5 billion purchase of 48 Lockheed Martin F-16s, has left his post, as Poland's economics ministry faces reorganisation. Commentators in Warsaw say there were inconsistencies between Szarawarski and Lockheed Martin over the stated value of offsets proposed under the 48-aircraft F-16 deal (Flight International, 7-14 January). Szarawarski had stated that the offsets had a potential value of $9.7 billion, compared to Lockheed Martin's stated value of $8.5 billion. There is also some doubt in Poland as to the offset's value in speeding up the development of the Polish economy. Szarawarski has also been under fire because of delays in striking a deal with the European Union on state aid for Poland.
Source: Flight International