In an effort to modernize its fighter fleet, Poland’s Ministry of National Defense has finalized an agreement with the United States to upgrade its 48 F-16 C/D Block 52+ jets to the advanced F-16V configuration.
The deal, valued at roughly $3.8 billion, will be carried out by Lockheed Martin in partnership with the Polish defense industry. Much of the midlife modernization work will take place at Military Aviation Works No. 2 in Bydgoszcz, a facility run by state-owned defense group PGZ. According to the ministry, the upgraded aircraft will gradually re-enter service between 2030 and 2038.
At the signing ceremony on August 13, Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz recalled the significance of Poland’s earlier acquisition of the F-16. “Over two decades ago, Poland selected the F-16 to replace its post-Soviet fleet. Since then, these aircraft have safeguarded our skies, supported international missions, and stood alongside allies wherever needed,” he said.
However, Kosiniak-Kamysz stressed that today’s regional security environment—shaped largely by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine—requires enhanced capabilities. He emphasized the need to strengthen reconnaissance, communications, integration with systems such as the F-35, Abrams tanks, and Apache helicopters, and ensure the jets can operate across all domains.
Since the start of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, Warsaw has accelerated defense procurement, striking major deals with U.S. firms. These include the $10 billion purchase of 96 AH-64E Apache helicopters in 2023 and the $4.75 billion acquisition of 250 M1A2 Abrams SEPv3 tanks in 2022. With defense spending projected at 4.7% of GDP in 2025, Poland has earmarked a record PLN 186.6 billion ($51.3 billion) for its military.
Tomasz Smura of the Casimir Pulaski Foundation noted that close security ties with the U.S. have been a consistent feature of Polish foreign policy across successive governments. At the same time, he said, Poland is increasingly focused on securing technology transfers and industrial know-how to bolster domestic defense manufacturing.
Military Aviation Works No. 2, which already services F-16s, C-130 Hercules transports, and remaining Soviet-era aircraft, will also support maintenance for the FA-50 light combat aircraft Poland has purchased from South Korea.
Under the F-16 modernization program, the jets will receive key upgrades including AN/APG-83 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars, an advanced mission computer, and an updated identification friend-or-foe (AN/APX-126/127) system. The U.S. has also approved the provision of AGM-158 JASSM test missiles and other equipment to enhance Poland’s strike capabilities.
Beyond the F-16 upgrades, Warsaw continues to expand its air force. Alongside its FA-50s and F-16s, Poland has ordered 32 F-35A Lightning II fighters, with deliveries beginning in 2026—making it the first Eastern European operator of the fifth-generation jet. Both the Czech Republic and Romania are set to follow with their own F-35 acquisitions. Looking further ahead, Poland is considering the purchase of two more squadrons of combat aircraft. Options under review include an additional 32 F-35s or alternative platforms such as the Eurofighter Typhoon or Boeing’s F-15EX, according to Polish defense officials.
