The Polish government has submitted an application to upgrade the combat architecture of 48 F-16 fighters to the Viper version, which offers advanced avionics for a fourth-generation multi-role fighter. The F-16 Viper modernization will provide advanced combat capabilities that can be adapted to national defense requirements. According to the American Defense Security Cooperation Agency, The State Department has expressed its determination to accept this potential agreement.
Polish F16s will be modernized. The project will be carried out by Americans
The F-16 Viper is a modernization from 2012. Poland it bought its first F-16 in 2006. Their service life is 40 years. The modernization of the F-16 fleet in February 2024 was announced by the head of the Armament Agency, General Artur Kuptel.
The modernization will introduce, among others: advanced radar, better computer deck, guidance and radio-electric warfare systems and additional control panels in the cockpit. Under the potential agreement, the Americans will also provide aviation accessories, spare parts, consumables, repairs and engineering and technical support.
“The proposed sale will support the foreign policy objectives and national security of the United States by improving ally security NATOwhich is a pillar of political and economic stability in Europe,” the Department of State said in a statement.
The potential contract must be approved by Congress. 7.3 billion dollars is the maximum amount for the order. The main contractor of the contract is to be Lockheed Martin.
Another arms deal with the Americans. They lent us a large amount of money a few months ago
In July, the US authorities announced that they would lend Poland $2 billion as part of the Foreign Military Financing direct loan agreement to support the modernization of the Polish army and further strengthening of NATO's eastern flank. The US Department of State reminded that our country is the leader in NATO in terms of defense spending.
At the beginning October Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz announced that the government had approved and submitted to parliament the draft budget act, in which it was decided to allocate 4.7% to defense. GDP. This is a record amount of USD 186.6 billion.