Poland’s newest F‑16 fighter met its first fatal crash in Radom, an unprecedented disaster for the country’s air arm.
First Such Catastrophe
This marks the first crash of a Polish F‑16, the first loss of a Polish aircraft of this type. Since their introduction into service in 2007, Poland has managed to avoid not only accidents of this magnitude but also major failures and other incidents.
How Many F‑16s Does Poland Own?
Poland has procured 48 F‑16 Block 52 fighters, including 12 two‑seat variants, which are stationed at the 31st Tactical Air Base in Poznań‑Krzesin and the 32nd at Łask. These aircraft represent the most valuable and powerful armament of the Polish Armed Forces, both for aviation and overall military capability, at least until the full deployment of the next‑generation F‑35.
Agreement for Comprehensive Modernisation
On 13 August, the Polish government signed an agreement with the United States to perform an extensive overhaul of its F‑16 fleet—an essential upgrade after two decades of service. The project, costing $3.8 billion (roughly 14 billion zlotys), will bring the aircraft up to the latest F‑16V variant, ensuring their continued effectiveness for coming decades.
Source: Gazeta, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/polska/7
