Poland’s Ministry of National Defence has signed the terms of an agreement with the U.S. government to modernize its F-16 fleet. Lockheed Martin said it will upgrade the Polish Air Force fleet of 48 F-16 Block 52+ fighter jets to the F-16 Viper configuration.
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Polish Defence Minister Wladysław Kosiniak-Kamysz told reporters on Wednesday that the contract is valued at $3.8 billion. He said Poland’s military needs to upgrade its capabilities and interoperability to remain competitive in every domain.
According to Lockheed Martin, the aircraft’s modernization ensures that Poland’s F-16 fleet remains relevant to regional security and NATO’s allied defense.
EW Enhancements
To enhance the fighter jets’ capabilities, the aircraft will integrate a new radar, an updated mission computer and a new display generator. The upgrade will also include enhancements to electronic warfare and automated ground collision systems. In addition, the F-16 will undergo structural modifications to extend its service lifespan to 12,000 flight hours.
“These enhancements deliver advanced airpower capabilities by keeping the F-16 interoperable with 5th generation platforms like the F-35, aligned with NATO missions and backed by sustained readiness and partnership with Polish industry,” said Nick Smythe, Lockheed Martin vice president of sustainment campaign strategies and business development.
Local Workforce Development
Lockheed Martin’s work under the Polish-U.S. agreement will be performed in Poland, in partnership with local aviation maintenance firm Wojskowe Zaklady Lotnicze No. 2. The partnership is designed to promote Polish workforce development and help foster the growth of Poland’s defense sector.
According to Lockheed Martin, it has invested $1.8 billion in the Polish defense industry to expand supply chain capacity and accelerate delivery of critical requirements.