F-16 Viper upgrade deal finalized between Poland and U.S.

Investing.com -- Poland has finalized an agreement with the U.S. government to upgrade its fleet of 48 F-16 Block 52+ fighter jets to the advanced F-16 Viper (F-16V) configuration.

Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) will serve as the primary contractor for the modernization program, which aims to enhance the capabilities of Poland’s F-16 fleet to support NATO’s collective defense and regional security.

The upgrade package includes the integration of an APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array Scalable Agile Beam radar, a high-resolution Center Pedestal Display, and an upgraded Mission Computer with a new Display Generator.

Additional enhancements comprise advanced helmet-mounted devices, electronic warfare improvements, the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod with Digital Video Interface, and the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System. Structural modifications will extend the aircraft’s service life to 12,000 flight hours.

"The F-16 Viper upgrades strengthen Poland’s fleet for the missions ahead," said Nick Smythe, vice president of Sustainment Campaign Strategies and Business Development at Lockheed Martin . "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 agreement also includes simulator upgrades and builds on Lockheed Martin’s 20-year partnership with the Polish Air Force.

Lockheed Martin will collaborate with Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze No. 2 (WZL-2) to perform the upgrade work in Poland, utilizing local expertise and facilities. This partnership aims to foster workforce development and strengthen cooperation with Polish defense industry partners.

Over the past decade, Lockheed Martin has invested $1.8 billion in Poland’s defense ecosystem, working with local industry to expand supply chain capacity and accelerate delivery of critical systems.

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