Lockheed Martin will work with a Polish defense contract to carry out a $3.8-billion modernization of Poland’s F-16 fighter aircraft fleet, to achieve the advanced F-16 Viper configuration. The project that covers 48 F-16 Block 52+ aircraft follows an agreement with the Polish Ministry of National Defence that extends to updates for simulators used for training by the Polish Air Force.
The aircraft are single- and two-seat variants of the single-engine fighter aircraft supplied between 2006 and 2008, as Block 52 and above. The new "F-16 Viper" (F-16V) refers to the latest F-16 variant, the F-16 Block 70/72. This version introduces more advanced capabilities, including Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, more advanced avionics, large-format displays, and a high-speed data bus. It will be capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground combat, with advanced targeting and precision strike capabilities.
Additional updates will include advanced helmet-mounted devices for the air crews, electronic warfare enhancements, the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod with digital video interface, and an automatic ground collision avoidance system.
Structural modifications to the aircraft will extend service life to 12,000 flight hours.
“The F-16 Viper upgrades strengthen Poland’s fleet for the missions ahead,” stated Lockheed vice president Nick Smythe. “These enhancements deliver advanced airpower capabilities by keeping the F-16 interoperable with 5th Generation platforms like the F-35, aligned with NATO missions and backed by sustained readiness and partnership with Polish industry.”
The work will be carried out with Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze No. 2 (WZL-2) at that business’ aviation center in Bydgoszcz, Poland.
