The U.S. Government has approved a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) request from Poland to upgrade its F-16 Viper fleet, the latest variant of the fourth-generation F-16 Fighting Falcon multirole fighter.
The modernization will equip the jets with a new high-resolution central cockpit display, providing tactical imagery and active array and targeting pod data capabilities. The estimated contract value is $7.3 billion, covering items such as 58 upgraded programmable display generators, three test carriers for AGM-158 missiles, three GBU-53/B small diameter guided test vehicles, and eight SDB II GBU-53 reliability trainers. All 48 units of Poland’s F-16 fleet are scheduled for midlife upgrades (MLU) starting in 2026, with six units upgraded annually. Poland thus follows Slovakia and Bulgaria in adopting this system, as part of its broader air force modernization initiatives.
Two years ago, the Polish government commissioned 48 FA-50GF jets from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to replace outdated MiG-29 and Su-22 models. The first FA-50s were introduced by the Polish Air Force in December 2022. Additionally, from 2027 onward, Poland will operate Lockheed Martin’s F-35s. The first F-35s, nicknamed Husarz after Poland’s historical Winged Hussars, were rolled out in Fort Worth, Texas, in summer 2024. Poland has ordered 32 F-35s in total. Initially stationed at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas for pilot training, these aircraft will be the first F-35s Poland operates, with delivery to Poland expected next year. F-35s used for training are likely to arrive in Poland about a year later.
“The F-35 will make a significant contribution to Poland’s security,” stated Lieutenant General Ireneusz Nowak, Inspector General of the Polish Air Force.
