Ceremony Marks Rollout of First F-16s for Poland
(FORT WORTH, Sept. 15, 2006)
United States and Poland officials gathered at Lockheed Martin's production facility in Fort Worth, TX today for a commemorative ceremony marking the rollout of the first
 four (out of 48) F-16s for the Polish Air Force Peace Sky Program.
Representing the U.S. Government were Ambassador to Poland, Victor Ashe; Gen. T. Michael Moseley, chief of staff of the Air Force; Bruce Lemkin, deputy undersecretary of the U.S. Air Force for International Affairs; and Richard Millies, deputy director, Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).
Polish dignitaries attending included Jaroslaw Kaczynski, prime minister of the Republic of Poland; Anna Fotyga, minister of foreign affairs; Radoslaw Sikorski, minister of defense; Lt. Gen. Stanislaw Targosz, commander of the Polish Air Force; and other senior Polish officials.
The event was hosted by Ralph D. Heath, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin and president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, and June R. Shrewsbury, vice president of F-16 Programs. Lockheed Martin was selected as the prime contractor when the multi-billion dollar foreign military sales (FMS) agreement was signed by U.S. and Poland officials in March 2003.
"Poland is the first of the former east block countries to integrate such an advanced, combat aircraft into its armed forces," Ambassador Ashe told the audience during the recent ceremony.
"Poland has historically stood as an example of a nation that is willing to fight for its freedom," he said. "Today, Poland stands as a model of military transformation for its neighbors and the region."
He said the F-16 program has brought together American and Polish pilots, aircraft maintainers and aerospace professionals. "The F-16 program is not only modernizing the Polish armed forces," he added, "but helping to transform them into a model partner for NATO and the United States."
Poland Minister of Defense Radoslaw Sikorski said Poland is delighted to be taking delivery of an aircraft that will not only transform his nation's capabilities in the air, but also those of the Polish ground troops and Navy. He said the F-16 will significantly bolster the operational capacity of Poland's expeditionary forces.
The Poland Peace Sky Program began in April 2003. The aircraft joins a fleet of more than 4,300 F-16s operated by 24 air forces around the world.
"This is a great day for Poland and the United States," said Lemkin. "The Polish Air Force now will be flying a frontline, top-performance fighter, virtually the same F-16 being flown by the U.S. Air Force."
Lemkin said, "The Peace Sky program is the centerpiece of an enduring relationship between our air forces and will allow us to train together, operate together, fly together and learn from one another. These F-16s will provide the foundation of interoperability that will enable us to carry out operations as NATO and coalition partners."
Poland's F-16s are considered the most advanced in NATO. Features of the Block 52+ include an AN/APG-68(V) 9 radar fire control system and a Sniper Extended Range pod, which is an advanced targeting pod designed with an infrared pointer, laser, day TV, forward looking infrared, laser spot tracker and advanced algorithms. The pod delivers superior tracking performance and reliability.
In addition, the multi-role fighter is equipped with a helmet-mounted cueing system used for directing precision-guided munitions and off-bore sight missiles as well as for increasing pilot situational awareness.
 The aircraft is designed to be fully interoperable with NATO and European Union missions.
Polish pilots have prepared for the new planes since September 2003. Their first hands-on exposure to the F-16 occurred when 14 qualified pilot instructors from the 149 Fighter Wing in Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, journeyed to Lask Air Base in Poland to familiarize them with F-16 pilot and maintenance procedures.
Lt. Gen. Stanislaw Targosz, commander of the Poland Air Force, said, "The purchase of the F-16 will help us in our continuous fight against terrorism by bringing Poland and the U.S. closer. Our armed forces have participated in various joint operations around the world and I am confident it will continue."
He said relationships between members of the both armed forces are essential. "We have continuous contact with U.S. military leaders in Europe and look forward to working closer with them in the future."
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