According to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) – on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, the US State Department agreed to upgrade 48 Polish F-16s to the Viper standard. The maximum value of the deal was estimated at $7.3 billion.[1]

The modernization of Polish F-16s is related to reaching the mid-life of these aircraft (Mid-Life Upgrade). The Polish Armed Forces planned to modernize its F-16 fleet was announced in February by the head of the Armament Agency, General Artur Kuptel.[2] The first of 48 F-16 aircraft were delivered to Poland in 2006, while their estimated service life is about 40 years.[3]

According to a document published by the DSCA, the F-16 aircraft upgrade is expected to strengthen Poland’s air defense and surveillance capabilities. The modernization of Poland’s F-16s is estimated to support U.S. foreign and national security policy objectives by improving the security of the NATO ally.[4]

Under MDE (Major Defense Equipment), which is key military equipment that is particularly costly in terms of research and development (cost exceeding $50 million) or production (cost exceeding $200 million), Poland is interested in acquiring for F-16 aircraft:

In addition to MDE, the following items will be included, among others:

The Lockheed Martin corporation will be the main contractor for the contract. This conglomerate manufactures, modernizes and supports F-16 aircraft, including the introduction of the latest F-16V configuration, the Viper. Lockheed Martin manufactures and operates F-16 fighters at facilities in Texas and South Carolina.[7]

It is assumed that the modernization of Polish F-16s will be carried out at a rate of six aircraft per year.[8] Most likely, the work will be carried out at Military Aviation Works No. 2 in Bydgoszcz.[9]Detailed terms of the offset are to be determined at the negotiation stage.

Tekst powstał w ramach realizacji zadania publicznego zleconego w ramach Rządowego Programu Rozwoju Organizacji Obywatelskich na lata 2018–2030 r. „Bezpieczna Polska jutra – rozwój działań misyjnych Alioth Foundation”.

Bibliography:

[1] R. Muczyński, Milmag.pl „Pakiet Viper dla polskich F-16 zatwierdzony: miliardy za modernizację” [online].

[2] Defence24.pl „USA wyraziły zgodę na modernizację polskich F-16” [online].

[3] Ibidem.

[4] Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) „Poland – F-16 Viper Midlife Upgrade” [online].

[5] R. Muczyński, Milmag.pl „Pakiet Viper dla polskich F-16 zatwierdzony: miliardy za modernizację” [online].

[6] J. Palowski, Defence24.pl „Zmodernizowane F-16 w cenie F-35. Czy warto?” [online].

[7] Tvn24.pl „Jest decyzja Pentagonu w sprawie polskich F-16” [online].

[8] Altair.com.pl „Zgoda na MLU polskich F-16” [online].

[9] Ł. Pacholski, Zbiam.pl „Modernizacja polskich F-16C/D Jastrząb coraz bliżej” [online].