Particle.news
Download on the App Store
9 ARTICLES
·
yesterday

Poland Signs $3.8 Billion Contract to Upgrade F-16 Fleet to Viper Standard

In-country work beginning in 2028 at WZL-2 in Bydgoszcz will include installation of AESA radars, upgraded mission computers, electronic-warfare suites that ensure seamless operation alongside Poland’s F-35s.

Image
Image
Image
Polish F-16 fighter jets . Photo by Edward Snyder

Overview

  • Government-to-government LOA signed August 13 tasks Lockheed Martin and WZL-2 to modernize 48 F-16 Block 52 C/D jets to the F-16V Block 72 configuration under a $3.8 billion contract.
  • In-country modernization at Bydgoszcz facility will install AN/APG-83 AESA radars, MMC 7000AH mission computers, Link 16 datalinks, Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing Systems II and integrated electronic-warfare suites.
  • Financing relies on U.S. Foreign Military Financing loan guarantees, with Poland securing $11 billion in credit to support its broader defense modernization drive including the F-16 upgrade.
  • Structural life-extension work will extend airframe service life to 12,000 flight hours, with two jets dispatched to U.S. testing centers in 2028 and phased returns to service slated from 2030 through 2038.
  • Officials say the modernization will enhance reconnaissance, communications and interoperability across Poland’s air, ground and NATO platforms to strengthen deterrence on the eastern flank.