Polish Zakłady Lotnicze Mielec produced the F-16 Block 70/72 fuselage structure, which for the first time in history Polish defense industry was successfully connected to the entire jet. This took place at a facility in Greenville, South Carolina. The production of the rear fuselage at PZL Mielec was completed in August 2023, and then it was sent to Greenville.
A “mile step” for the Polish arms industry. Such an operation has never been performed before
It may seem like nothing out of the ordinary. The “fitting” process, however, involves precisely positioning and securely attaching the F-16's rear section to the main fuselage. This is a key stage of aircraft construction. “This sensitive procedure, performed by highly qualified technicians, ensures the structural integrity and performance of the jet,” reads a statement from Lockheed Martin, an American defense company. Only after “fitting” can the F-16 go through the assembly line and undergo rigorous testing.
– Our employees, including some of the most qualified technicians in the industry, have proven that Poland is able to make a significant contribution to the global defense industry. This achievement not only strengthens the country's defense capabilities, but also strengthens Poland's position as a key player on the world stage – said Janusz Zakrętcki, president of the management board and general director of PZL Mielec, about this achievement.
He was echoed by OJ Sanchez, vice president of Integrated Fighter Group, Lockheed Martin. – The successful integration of the rear hull is not only a huge technical achievement, but also proof of Poland's growing capabilities in the field of advanced defense production – he added. Both sides argue that this is a “milestone showing Poland's growing role in global defense production.”
Lockheed Martin is an important supplier for Poland. Billion-dollar contracts
Cooperation between Lockheed Martin and PZL Mielec has already generated over PLN 170 million dollars invested in modernization efforts, which strengthened Poland's reputation as a leader in advanced defense production. Recently, the US Department of State agreed to modernize Polish F-16 fighters produced by the Lockheed-Martin arms company.
The estimated value of the project is USD 7.3 billion. Information on this subject was provided by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. The modernization package includes, among others, the improvement of on-board computers, guidance and control systems, radars, and electronic warfare systems. Thanks to this, fighters serving in the Polish army will be equipped with the systems latest Viper version.