The U.S. State Department has approved a £6 billion ($7.3 billion) Foreign Military Sale to Poland, aimed at upgrading its existing fleet of F-16 Viper fighter jets.
This Midlife Upgrade (MLU) package includes a wide range of advanced equipment and support services designed to enhance Poland’s air defence and surveillance capabilities, according to a press release from the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on 23 October 2024.
Poland has requested a variety of upgrades for its F-16s, including “fifty-eight (58) Improved Programmable Display Generators, fifty-eight (58) Embedded Global Positioning System (GPS) Inertial Navigation Systems (INS), and fifty-eight (58) AN/APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Scalable Agile Beam Radars,” among other key components. These systems will modernise Poland’s fleet, bringing them to the latest Viper configuration and bolstering their national defence.
In addition to these upgrades, Poland is set to receive advanced weaponry as part of the sale, including “three (3) AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) Flight Test Vehicles, Captive Carry; three (3) Small Diameter Bomb II (SDB II), GBU-53/B Guided Test Vehicles (GTV); and two (2) AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder Special Air Training Missiles.”
These additions will significantly enhance Poland’s ability to engage targets over longer distances with greater precision.
The sale also includes non-major defence equipment. The DSCA press release confirms that “major modifications and maintenance equipment; Phased Array Warning System (PAWS-2) missile warning systems; Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems (JHMCS II); and spare parts” will be provided to ensure the continued operational effectiveness of the F-16 fleet.
These items will not only support Poland’s air capabilities but also contribute to NATO’s overall defence infrastructure.
According to the DSCA, the upgrade will allow Poland to “modify and upgrade its existing F-16 aircraft to the new Viper configuration,” thereby reinforcing the country’s air defence and surveillance capabilities. The sale supports U.S. foreign policy objectives by “improving the security of a NATO ally” and enhancing Poland’s role in NATO’s collective defence.
Lockheed Martin, based in Greenville, South Carolina, will serve as the principal contractor for the upgrade. The DSCA notes that “the purchaser typically requests offsets,” which will be defined during negotiations between the Polish government and Lockheed Martin.
Additionally, the sale includes “classified and unclassified software delivery and support, technical documentation, studies, and surveys,” providing Poland with the necessary support to integrate these complex systems into its defence framework.
While U.S. personnel will provide engineering, technical, and logistical assistance, the DSCA confirms that “implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Poland.”
I think Poland was looking to procure the F-15EX, as a
I think Poland was looking to procure the F-15EX to replace it’s Viper’s as air-to-air combat fighter?
It seems they have settled on an upgrade of it’s Viper’s.
Having looked at the RuAF junk are you surprised?
Viper is more than enough plane.
The Poles know they need to be able to deal with Mad Vlad on the ground.
Got to give it to the Poles 😏
Yup, they have sampled two flavours of jackboot they didn’t like…so they don’t want a repeat…
Also the F16 upgrade is an available now upgrade.
As opposed to waiting for new build F15s.
It gives them defensive mass.
With their F35 buy that should be a good combo.
The F16 upgrade is a separate programme for Poland, they are also looking for a Heavier Interdiction /Strike Aircraft for which the Typhoon is also being considered. They want a platform that can carry a much larger load than the F35.
And yet again Poland proves it is the tip of the NATO spear, understands the threat, not afraid to spend money and aware of the short timeframe to get fully prepared!
Rez Pospolita Kingdom is about to rupture it’s diplomatic relations with Putin’security services GRU KGB Soviet communistic bolshevik generals. Joining forces with Germany and Britain and France now will be the most advantageous tactical shotgun in geopolitical domino chessboard games that Poland could do. Were Poland recognized by Hitler as the most powerful historical genetics anti – Soviet ally in 1939, Stalin would have never dated to sign a pact of non-aggression with Nazi Germany.Now, the situation copies those years of struggling of several belligerents signing each other into hollow knight agreements. Netanyahu policy in the Middle East might serve all of you , gentlemen,as s staunch reminder that you can not transact with your lethal foes just because this seems to be the most appropriate variant.God save our King Charles III and illumine His Majesty to guide us all to victory and peace
Getting a junk and paying for it 6bilion not sure who’s winning