Poland requests to upgrade entire F-16 fleet to the most modern Viper version.

On October 23, 2024, the U.S. government approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to Poland for upgrading its entire fleet of F-16 Block 52+ fighter jets through the latest Viper Midlife Upgrade program. Poland has requested the modernization of 48 F-16 aircraft, including 36 F-16C Block 52+ and 12 F-16D Block 52+, to enhance their avionics, radar systems, and electronic warfare capabilities. The estimated value of the proposed sale is $7.3 billion, which covers upgrade kits, spare parts, and related logistics and program support.
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The F-16 Viper upgrade enhances the Block 52+ with AESA radar, updated electronic warfare systems, and modern avionics for extended service life and operational improvements. (Picture source: US DoD)

Poland plans to upgrade its fleet of 48 F-16 fighter jets to enhance their operational capabilities and maintain compatibility with NATO systems. The Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) includes installing new radars, electronic warfare systems, and missile warning technologies. This decision is influenced by the need to ensure the fleet remains modern and interoperable with Poland's recent acquisitions, such as the F-35 fighters, and to address growing regional security concerns. The upgrade aligns with Poland's broader air force modernization efforts to maintain effective cooperation with NATO allies.

Poland's request includes fifty-eight Improved Programmable Display Generators, with 48 installed and 10 spares, as well as three AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) Flight Test Vehicles (Captive Carry). The package also includes three Small Diameter Bomb II (SDB II) GBU-53/B Guided Test Vehicles, eight SDB II GBU-53/B Captive Carry Reliability Trainers, and two SDB I GBU-39(T-1)/B Guided Test Vehicles. These will support operational and training functions for air-to-surface capabilities.

Additionally, the sale involves fifty-eight Embedded Global Positioning System (GPS) Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) equipped with Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) or M-Code capability and Precise Positioning Service (PPS). Fifty-eight AN/APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Scalable Agile Beam Radars (SABR) will also be provided, with 48 installed and 10 spares. These radars are intended to improve radar and detection functions. The upgrade package includes sixty Modular Mission Computer 7000AH units (or equivalent) and sixty Next Generation Mission Computers (XMC) (or equivalent), with 48 of each installed and 12 kept as spares. The request also covers seventy-three Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suites (IVEWS) or Viper Shield advanced electronic warfare suites (or equivalent), with 63 installed and 10 spares.

Poland's request further includes missile systems for training purposes. These comprise two AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder Special Air Training Missiles and two AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM), intended to support pilot training for air-to-air engagements.

Several non-major defense equipment (non-MDE) items are also part of the request. These include major modifications and maintenance equipment, Phased Array Warning System (PAWS-2) missile warning systems, Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems (JHMCS II), and AN/ARC-238 radios (or equivalent). Poland also seeks to acquire AN/APX-126/127 Advanced Identification Friend or Foe (AIFF) systems with combined interrogator/transponder (CIT) and Mode 5 (or equivalent) and AN/ALE-47 Countermeasure Dispenser Systems (CMDS). Other requested equipment includes classified countermeasure processors, sequencer switching units, control display units, cryptographic devices such as KY-58, KIV-78 (or equivalent), KGV-135A, and AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loaders (SKLs), as well as communications security (COMSEC) cables.

Poland has also requested MS-110 reconnaissance pods, tactical synthetic aperture radars, and Joint Mission Planning Systems (JMPS) with unique planning components and software. The sale also includes AGM-158 JASSM classified test equipment, spare parts, accessories, consumables, and repair and return support, along with the delivery of classified and unclassified software, technical publications, documentation, studies, and surveys. Engineering, technical assistance, and logistics support services from the U.S. Government and contractors are also included.

Lockheed Martin's F-16 Viper upgrade program offers a scalable enhancement to one of the most widely used multirole 4th generation fighters. Key updates include the APG-83 AESA radar, which provides improved detection range and combat modes, enabling near-simultaneous air-to-air and air-to-ground operations. Other upgrades include a modular mission computer, advanced displays, digital communications, infrared search and track (IRST) systems, and helmet-mounted displays, contributing to enhanced situational awareness and operational capabilities.

The upgrade integrates electronic warfare capabilities with a digital radar warning receiver and coordinated countermeasures for improved self-protection. It also includes broad weapons certifications, allowing the F-16V to handle over 180 weapon types across 3,300 certified configurations. Additionally, the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto GCAS) aims to enhance safety by intervening in high-risk flight situations.

The F-16 upgrade for Polish Air Force will enhance electronic warfare capabilities with the Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite (IVEWS), increasing threat detection and self-protection. Modernized avionics and mission computers will improve data processing and operational efficiency, while expanded weapons compatibility will enable the use of a broader range of precision-guided munitions. The Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) will extend the operational lifespan of the aircraft, ensuring they remain effective in modern combat environments.