US approves major F-16 upgrades for Poland in $7.3 billion deal – Firstpost

The United States on Wednesday (Oct. 23) approved a $7.3 billion sale to upgrade Poland’s F-16 fighter jets, boosting the defenses of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization ally ( NATO) that borders war-torn Ukraine.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said the proposed sale supports US foreign policy and national security by strengthening a key partner in Europe.

“The F-16 Viper Midlife Upgrade (MLU) will strengthen Poland’s air defense and surveillance capabilities, support national security and strengthen Poland’s defense and contributions to NATO,” the DSCA said in a statement .

The State Department approved the potential sale and the DSCA has notified Congress, which has yet to approve the deal, AFP informed

About the F-16 fighter jet

The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a versatile multi-role fighter aircraft. Built by Lockheed Martin, this fourth generation is known for its advanced avionics, agility and combat capabilities.

Key features include the APG-83 AESA radar, which provides enhanced situational awareness, and the Link-16 data link for real-time information sharing. The aircraft features advanced electronic warfare systems, precision-guided munitions capabilities and can carry a wide variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons.

The fighter is equipped with a 20 mm gun and can carry bombs, rockets and missiles.

However, aircraft require carefully maintained airstrips and a highly trained ground crew.

Ukraine also has F-16

Earlier, in August, Ukraine had received the first batch of F-16 fighter jets. This development had come after months of pressure from Kyiv.

Ukraine had said the fighter jets were critical to countering the missile attack Russia had been firing at it. The West has been hesitant to provide the planes, amid earlier concerns that arming Ukraine with advanced weaponry would escalate the war with Russia.

With contributions from agencies