Speaking at the signing ceremony at the Military Aviation Works in Bydgoszcz, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said all modernization work would be carried out in Poland, highlighting the country’s growing domestic aerospace capabilities.
The U.S.-made F-16s arrived in Poland between 2006 and 2008, effectively marking the start of a transformation of the Polish Air Force from Soviet-era aircraft to Western technology.
Now, as the jets near the age where major upgrades are required, the modernization aims to ensure they can meet contemporary operational challenges and remain in service for years to come.
The U.S. State Department approved the modernization last October, allowing Poland to upgrade the aircraft to the F-16V “Viper” standard (Block 72), with a maximum budget set at $7.3 billion. The Viper standard incorporates technologies used in more advanced F-35 aircraft.
While Poland awaits delivery of 32 new F-35s, its pilots have already begun training in the United States on the upgraded systems.
Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz Photo: PAP/Tytus Żmijewski
Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz said the modernization will include not only the aircraft themselves but also radar systems, communications equipment, and other key technologies.
“Our goal is for Poland to rank among the top three NATO countries in terms of operational capabilities. This modernization is a step in that direction,” the politician emphasized.
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Source: MON/IAR/PAP/X/@MON_GOV_PL