Introduction to the DD Newsletter
The DD Newsletter provides weekly insights and analysis on the latest developments in military technology, strategy, and foreign policy.
Poland’s F-16 Upgrade Program
The Polish Ministry of Defense has signed a $3.8 billion contract to upgrade the country’s 48 F-16C/D Block 52+ Viper fighters to the F-16V configuration. This upgrade is part of a larger Polish modernization effort across its entire military, with the goal of improving reconnaissance capabilities, communications, integration with the F-35, and the ability to operate in any domain.
Upgrades and Modernization
The upgrades for Poland’s F-16s will include Northrop Grumman’s AN/APG-83 active Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR), new modular, open-architecture mission computers, upgrades to communications and navigation capabilities, and a new electronic warfare package. The F-16V upgrade package also includes improved datalinks and cockpit displays, with improved interoperability with the F-35.
Geopolitical Context
The aerial threat picture facing Poland has substantially evolved in recent years due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and simmering geopolitical friction with Russian ally Belarus. Poland has steadily pushed to take a greater role in NATO, including moves to join the alliance’s nuclear sharing agreements.
Poland’s Military Modernization Efforts
The F-16 upgrade plan is just one part of a larger Polish modernization effort, which includes billions of dollars’ worth of contracts for other combat jets, attack helicopters, main battle tanks, short-range ballistic missiles, and self-propelled artillery. Poland is also planning to field a network of balloon-based early-warning sensors.
Benefits to Poland’s Domestic Defense Industry
The F-16 modernization work will bring benefits to Poland’s domestic defense industry, which has been steadily expanding in recent years. The state-run Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze No. 2 S.A. (Military Aviation Works No. 2) will perform the upgrade work, with the goal of making Poland one of the top three NATO countries in terms of operational capabilities.