Poland to Spend Nearly $2 Billion on F-35 Maintenance

Maintenance of the fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II fighter jets will cost Poland approximately $1.85 billion.

The U.S. Department of State has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale of maintenance and logistical support services for these fighters for that amount.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency of the U.S. Department of Defense announced this decision on August 26.

Poland’s request includes equipment and services such as an engine component improvement program, spare parts, modifications, consumables, repair and maintenance, as well as classified and unclassified software and documentation.

The potential order also covers engineering, technical, and logistical support from the U.S. government and contractors, as well as other program-related assistance.

General Electric Aerospace will be the main contractor for the upcoming deal.

Officials added that the implementation of the potential contract will enhance Poland’s ability to counter current and future threats by increasing the reliability of its fleet of F-35A Lightning II fighter jets.

In May of this year, the first Polish pilots completed training on this type of combat aircraft at Ebbing Air Base in the United States.