Poland Signs $3.8 Billion Deal With US to Modernize F-16 Fighter Jet Fleet

Report by “Safarti Tarjuman” International News Desk

Warsaw — Poland has signed a landmark $3.8 billion defense agreement with the United States to modernize its fleet of 48 F-16 C/D Block 52 fighter aircraft to the advanced F-16V Block 72 configuration, reinforcing its defense posture amid rising security threats from Russia.

Under the agreement, the upgrade program will begin in 2028 and continue through 2038, covering advanced systems such as:

• Radar enhancements (AN/APG-83 AESA radars)
• Secure communications & reconnaissance systems
• Electronic warfare suites
• Ground infrastructure upgrades
• Pilot training simulators and trainers

The modernization effort will be conducted primarily in Poland, with the state-owned Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze No. 2 (Military Aviation Works) in Bydgoszcz overseeing the process in partnership with Lockheed Martin. Two jets will undergo testing in the United States, while the remainder will be upgraded locally.

Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that the upgrades are essential for maintaining Poland’s defense readiness:

“The modernization of our F-16 fleet ensures seamless integration with our F-35 fighters, Abrams main battle tanks, and Apache helicopters, allowing Poland to respond effectively to future security challenges.”

Poland’s F-16 fleet, originally acquired between 2006 and 2008, replaced Soviet-era aircraft to align with NATO standards. While still capable, the fleet requires modernization to maintain combat effectiveness in multi-domain warfare scenarios.

The $3.8 billion deal is part of a broader $7.3 billion F-16 Viper Midlife Upgrade program approved by the U.S. State Department in October 2024.

The package includes:

• AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder missiles
• Navigation and targeting systems
• Electronic warfare upgrades
• Advanced reconnaissance technology

This move underscores Poland’s commitment to strengthening its military as part of NATO’s eastern flank defense strategy against Russia.

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