Poland Finalizes Agreement to Modernize F-16 Fleet

The Polish Ministry of National Defence has concluded a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) with the United States government to upgrade its fleet of 48 F-16 Block 52+ aircraft to the advanced F-16 Viper configuration, also referred to as the F-16V. Lockheed Martin will be the main contractor for this modernisation project, which will substantially improve the capabilities of Poland's F-16 fleet, thereby ensuring its ongoing significance in supporting NATO's collective defence and regional security.

The modernisation package includes the integration of:

• APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Scalable Agile Beam Radar

• A high-resolution Centre Pedestal Display

• An upgraded Mission Computer and a new Display Generator

Additional upgrades comprise:

• Advanced helmet-mounted devices

• Electronic warfare enhancements

• The Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod with Digital Video Interface

• The Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System

• Structural modifications that will extend the aircraft's service life to 12,000 flight hours

The agreement, encompassing simulator upgrades, enhances Lockheed Martin's 20-year partnership with the Polish Air Force and aligns with Poland's long-term defence modernisation strategy.

“The F-16 Viper upgrades strengthen Poland’s fleet for the missions ahead,” said Nick Smythe, vice president of Sustainment Campaign Strategies and Business Development at Lockheed Martin. “These enhancements deliver advanced airpower capabilities by keeping the F-16 interoperable with 5th Generation platforms like the F-35, aligned with NATO missions and backed by sustained readiness and partnership with Polish industry.”

Lockheed Martin will collaborate with Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze No. 2 (WZL-2) to execute the upgrade work domestically, utilising local expertise and facilities. This initiative will also promote workforce development and enhance collaboration with Polish defence industry partners, thereby contributing to the expansion of Poland's defence sector. Over the past decade, Lockheed Martin has invested $1.8 billion in Poland's defence ecosystem, partnering with local industry to enhance supply chain capacity and expedite the delivery of critical systems.