Poland signs $3.8 billion deal to modernise F-16 fighter jet fleet

Poland has signed a $3.8 billion contract with the United States to modernise its fleet of F-16 fighter jets, Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz announced, as the country continues to scale up its military capabilities amid regional security concerns.

The upgrade initiative reflects Poland’s broader strategy to strengthen national defence following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The Polish government plans to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2026, one of the highest proportions among NATO allies, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Poland currently operates 48 F-16C/D Block 52+ aircraft, which were delivered between 2006 and 2008. The upcoming modernisation will be carried out at the Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze Nr 2 military aviation plant in Bydgoszcz, in northern Poland.

“The current capabilities of the F-16 in the CD version are good, but after 20 years, they are insufficient against threats,” Kosiniak-Kamysz said during a news conference.

“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 upgrade is part of a broader series of defence acquisitions and enhancements. Earlier this month, Poland finalised a second multi-billion-dollar deal with South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem for the supply of battle tanks, further underlining Warsaw’s commitment to rapid military modernisation and interoperability with NATO forces.

The modernisation of the F-16s is expected to significantly enhance Poland’s aerial combat and reconnaissance capabilities, particularly through better integration with newer systems such as the F-35 fighter jets and American-made Abrams tanks and Apache helicopters.

By Vafa Guliyeva