Poland to Buy Over $7 Billion Worth of Modernisation Kits for F-16 Fighter Jets From US
The United States Department of State has approved the sale of $7.3 billion worth of modernisation kits for Polish F-16 fighter jets. This was reported by the US Defence Cooperation and Security Agency.
The Polish government has requested 58 sets of new displays, the same number of inertial and global navigation systems and AN/APG-83 radars.
In addition, it plans to purchase test equipment and simulators for aviation weapons, including GBU-53 and GBU-39 bombs and AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) cruise missiles.
Poland also wants to purchase 73 on-board electronic countermeasures stations AN/ALQ-254V(1) Viper Shield, Phased Array Warning System (PAWS-2), JHMCS II targeting system, AN/ARC-238 radio stations and AN/APX-126/127 advanced friend-or-foe identification system.
In addition, the announcement refers to the AN/ALE-47 countermeasures delivery system, encryption systems, laboratory equipment and other equipment, including classified equipment, parts, documentation, technical support and other services.
The Defence Cooperation Agency has provided the necessary certification and notified Congress of the proposed sale.
‘The proposed sale will support the foreign policy objectives and national security of the United States by enhancing the security of a NATO member state that is a factor in political and economic stability in Europe,’ the statement said.
It can be assumed that Polish F-16s will be modernised at PZL Mielec which is owned by Lockheed Martin. This company assembles fuselage elements.