Poland has signed a contract with the US for the modernization of the F-16.
This concerns the modernization of the entire fleet of Polish multi-role combat aircraft F-16 C/D. The modernization will be carried out at the aircraft factory No. 2 in Bydgoszcz.
The governments of Poland and the US have concluded an agreement on the comprehensive modernization of F-16 fighters in service with the Polish army. This was reported by the Polish Ministry of Defense.
“The subject of the agreement concluded between the governments of Poland and the US is the modernization of the entire fleet of Polish multi-role combat aircraft F-16 C/D,” the message says.
The modernization will be carried out at the aircraft factory No. 2 in Bydgoszcz.
“For 20 years, F-16s have protected Polish skies, participated in foreign missions, carried out Baltic Air Policing (NATO’s Baltic Air Policing Mission – IF) and went where our allies needed help… The current capabilities of the F-1D 2 counter threats. We need to improve intelligence, communications, integration with the F-35, Abrams and Apache, as well as the ability to operate in any environment,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosyniak-Kamyś.
According to him, “the modernization worth $ 3.8 billion will allow us to move from the C / D Block 52 version to the V Block 72 version – the same one that Slovakia, in particular, purchased as its most modern aircraft.”
The modernization will affect not only the fighters themselves, but also radar stations, communication systems, friend-or-foe recognition, ground infrastructure, as well as simulators and training aircraft.
“Our goal is for Poland to become one of the three leading NATO countries in terms of operational capabilities. This modernization is a step in this direction,” the minister emphasized.
