Deputy prime minister W. Kosiniak-Kamysz signed a contract for comprehensive modernization of the F-16 aircraft in the Military Aviation Works No. 2 in Bydgoszcz on Wednesday. Deputy minister Paweł Bejda, among others, also took part in the ceremony. The contract between the governments of Poland and the United States, regards the modernization of the entire fleet of Polish multirole combat aircraft F-16 C/D Block 52. Modernization will be conducted at the Military Aviation Works No. 2 in Bydgoszcz.

- Over 20 years ago, our predecessors have made a choice as to what type of aircraft will replace the post-Soviet equipment in the Polish Air Force. We have chosen the F-16s and it was a very good decision – a proven machine, a platform capable of incredible combat manoeuvres. For those 20 years, the F-16s have defended the Polish skies and taken part in foreign missions, including Air Policing over the Baltic states, and they have been sent wherever our allies needed them. Polish pilots love this aircraft and are proud of it – we have entire generations of trained crews. The current capabilities of the F-16 in the C/D version are good, but not adequate to present threats after these 20 years. We have to improve the reconnaisance capabilities, communication, integration with the F-35s, Abrams tanks and the Apache helicopters, as well as capabilities in every domain. This 3,8 billion dollar modernization will allow us to move on from the C/D Block 52 version to V Block 72 – the same Slovakia is buying as its most advanced aircraft.

- said the minister of national defence.

The contract between the governments of the United States and Poland regards the modernization (Mid-Life Upgrade) of the entire fleet of the Polish multirole F-16 C/D Block 52 combat aircraft to the F-16V standard.

The value of the contract stands at 3,8 billion dollars. All of the modernization efforts will take place in Poland, in the Military Aviation Works No. 2 in Bydgoszcz. Flight tests and check-ups of two aircraft will be conducted in the United States, with the other aircraft being tested in Poland.

- Today, we are with our allies. Poland and the US have an ironclad alliance, and Poland is a model NATO member. Thanks to the Foreign Military Financing, we have obtained guarantees on the best terms – taken together, it is now 11 billion dollars. This contract is also a great opportunity for the Military Aviation Works No. 2 w Bydgoszczy and the Polish Armaments Group. The modernization of the 48 Polish F-16s will take place in Polish industrial plants. That means secure jobs and training skills. Modernization encompasses not only the aircraft, but also the radar systems, communications, identification friend-or-foe, ground infrastructure, simulators and training devices. It is a major investment led with the public funds in mind and made possible thanks to the taxpayers. It is our goal for Poland to be in the top three NATO countries in terms of operational capabilities. This modernization is a step in that direction. I am grateful to everyone who contributed to it – the teams at the Ministry of National Defence, the Armaments Agency, the board of the Polish Armaments Group and the local government. This is a years-long investment. The modernization activities will begin in 2028 and last until 2038, providing stable employment and development of the Polish defence industry.

- noted the deputy prime minister.

- The F-16 aircraft has been guarding our sky for 20 years. Today’s actions of the leadership at the Ministry of National Defence are a continuation of the mission given us by the country, to enhance the Armed Forces’ capabilities, among other efforts (…) we have the technological ability to modernize the latest equipment, and we will gain new ones. This contract is important news for the military, for Poland and for our security, but also for Bydgoszcz, for the workers at the Military Aviation Works No. 2 and their families

- said in Bydgoszcz the deputy minister Paweł Bejda