Poland intends to carry out a large-scale modernisation of its fleet of F-16 multi-role supersonic fighter jets, allocating more than $3 billion for this purpose.
The contract will be signed with the American defence corporation Lockheed Martin, which is the developer and manufacturer of this type of aircraft.
Polish Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz noted on Tuesday that the existing aircraft are gradually becoming obsolete and no longer meet modern requirements: “They are not effective enough to counter current threats. We need to improve reconnaissance capabilities, communications, integration with F-35 systems, Abrams tanks and Apache helicopters, as well as increase versatility. The upgrade will allow us to move from the C/D Block 52 version to the latest F-16V Block 72 configuration.”
The upgrade will equip the fighters with modern active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars, improved communications, electronic warfare and weapon control systems. This will increase their combat effectiveness and enable them to interact more effectively with other elements of the US and NATO forces.
The F-16 upgrade: What is it for?
The F-16 was designed after the Vietnam War and has since become one of the most widely used and sought-after fighter jets in the world. The aircraft is equipped with nine weapon stations, allowing it to carry a wide range of weapons.
The F-16 is armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder, Raytheon AMRAAM and Sparrow air-to-air missiles, as well as AGM-45 Shrike, AGM-88 HARM and AGM-65 Maverick air-to-surface missiles. This enables the aircraft to perform both air superiority missions and strikes against ground and sea targets.
According to experts, the modernisation of the F-16s in the Polish Air Force will be an intermediate step towards the wider introduction of fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets, some of which have already been ordered by Warsaw. This will allow Poland to strengthen its position within NATO and enhance its defence capabilities amid growing tensions in Europe.
