DefensePoland to Modernize Entire F-16 Fleet in $3.8 Billion Deal with Lockheed Martin
Poland has signed a $3.8 billion contract with Lockheed Martin to modernize its fleet of 48 F-16C/D Block 52+ fighter jets, nearly two decades after the aircraft entered service.
The jets, delivered between 2006 and 2008, will undergo upgrades at the Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze Nr 2 military aviation plant in Bydgoszcz, in northern Poland.
The work will enhance reconnaissance, communications, and interoperability with the country’s growing arsenal of modern equipment, including F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters, M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks, and AH-64E Apache attack helicopters.
“The current capabilities of the F-16 in the CD version are good, but after 20 years, they are insufficient against threats,” said Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.
We must improve reconnaissance capabilities, communication, integration with F-35s, Abrams tanks, and Apaches, as well as the ability to operate in every domain.”
The modernization is part of Poland’s accelerated defense investment strategy, driven by the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The country plans to raise military spending to 5% of GDP by 2026, one of the highest levels among NATO members.
Earlier in August, Poland also signed a multi-billion-dollar agreement with South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem for the delivery of new battle tanks, reinforcing its position as one of Europe’s most active defense markets.
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