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Polish Air Force to buy and operate NATO's newest F-16s

USAFE News

1/10/2003

By Lt. Col. Eric Schnaible USAFE News Service

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (USAFENS) -- One of NATO's newer member nations will soon be operating one of the alliances most capable and numerous multi-role fighter aircraft.

The Polish Air Force will receive 48 Lockheed-Martin F-16C/D Block 52 aircraft in 2006, replacing its aged Soviet Block-era MiG-21s, to meet its defense needs and ensure interoperability with other NATO forces, according to Air Force Lt.Gen.Tome Walters, Director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the U.S. Department of Defense organization responsible for foreign military sales and assistance.

The Block 52 version of the Fighting Falcon (also better known by its operators as the Viper) is the most technologically advanced and the fifth generation version of the world's most widely-used, combat-proven fighter, a 4,000 aircraft fleet operated by 22 nations, including eight countries in Europe alone. The aircraft's avionics and Pratt and Whitney engine performance, range, APG-68(V) 9 radar capability, Precision Guided Munitions-capable weapons integration, Link 16 datalink, and embedded Global Positioning System /Integrated Navigational System equipment make it among the world's most capable air-to-air and air-to-ground fighter aircraft, according to officials.

"Poland's choice is about strategic political and military relationships," said U.S. Ambassador Christopher Hill. "It's a choice about leading edge technology and a close working relationship with the world's most powerful Air Force and will shape and define Polish national security for the next 30 years."

Three 31st Fighter Wing F-16C/D aircraft and 12 personnel from Aviano Air Base, Italy, supported a ceremonial news media event attended by U.S. and Polish defense and industry officials Jan. 9 in Warsaw. Poland's Prime Minister, Mr. Leszek Miller, received an orientation flight, piloted by Maj. Shawn Brake of Aviano's 555th (Triple Nickel)Fighter Squadron. The flight was used to familiarize Leszek with the Viper's performance capabilities and operations.

The F-16 is the most highly exported fighter aircraft in history because of its high reliability and combat record, according to Col. Bill Becker, Aviano's 31st Operations Group commander. "Common consumables such as fuel oil and lubricants, as well as common mechanical attachments give us 100 percent interoperability with a valued NATO partner," he said. "Countries that don't have that interoperability, because they fly a different aircraft, might not realize the monetary and engineering difficulties they could face trying to deliver common NATO weapons. This would really help us if we were to train with them, since we can use common tactics and there's no gap in technology. We're both going from the same starting point."

The U.S. defense cooperation package includes the most advanced U.S. weaponry, U.S. Air Force training, long-term aircraft support and an economic offset, including a blend of investment, transfer of latest technology, exports and marketing assistance for Polish products. "Flying the same aircraft means extensive cooperation between the U.S. and Polish air forces and their pilots: training together, sharing common tactics and doctrine, and working together in coalition," said a U.S. Embassy Warsaw spokesman.