Poland Has Signed Contract for Modernization of F-16 Fighters

Poland has signed a contract to modernize its F-16 fighter jets to a level close to F-16V Block 72.

In October 2024, the US State Department approved the possible sale of modernization kits for Polish F-16s worth $7.3 billion.

According to Defence24, the actual value of the contract is $3.8 billion.

The contracting party is the US government, which will outsource the work to contractors, including the manufacturer and general contractor of F-16, Lockheed Martin.

The modernized aircraft will be delivered between 2030 and 2038.

The modernization will raise the standard of Polish fighters to a level close to recently introduced F-16V Block 72. It includes the integration of the AN/APG-83 SABR radar with an active phased array antenna, which will significantly improve combat capabilities, including the detection of targets such as cruise missiles.

In addition, Polish aircraft will receive new onboard computers and improved data transmission channels, which will ensure effective information exchange.

Protection against enemy air defense systems will be enhanced through the introduction of new generation electronic warfare systems.

The modernization to the F-16V standard also provides for the integration of modern weapons systems, including AIM-120D AMRAAM missiles. A number of other systems will be modified or replaced to improve combat effectiveness. The modernization package also includes operational support elements that will allow the aircraft to maintain high combat readiness until at least 2040.

Most of the work will be performed at the PGZ Military Aviation Plant in Bydgoszcz, where the contract was signed. The first two planes will be sent to the United States for testing, but some of the work on them will also be done in Bydgoszcz.

The contract stipulates that more than 50% of its value will be paid by Polish industry. The final details of industrial cooperation were agreed upon after the signing of the intergovernmental agreement, which took place today.

As a reminder, Poland signed a contract for the purchase of 48 F-16C/D fighters in April 2003. Deliveries lasted from 2006 to 2008. Currently, Polish F-16s perform a significant amount of tasks to protect domestic and allied airspace. Their modernization will take place in parallel with the introduction of F-35A fighters and FA-50/FA-50PL light combat aircraft.