Poland is moving closer to signing a lease deal for 16 used Lockheed Martin F-16A/Bs from the US Air Force following talks in Washington DC between US defence secretary William Cohen and new Polish defence minister Bronislaw Komorowski.
Speaking after their meeting earlier this month, they confirmed the deal was under discussion but emphasised the need for an "open, transparent and completely synchronised" acquisition process which should include evaluation of rival bids. However, Komorowski indicated that budget constraints favour an interim lease by Poland of used aircraft. New fighters will be purchased at a later stage.
"Our countries are discussing the details of a potential lease of USF-16s to Poland," says Cohen. "This arrangement would help Poland to modernise its air force at a very modest cost," he adds. Industry sources say Poland could lease the aircraft virtually free of charge but would have to spend up to $250 million upgrading them to the latest operational standard.
Cohen's statements appear to indicate that the US government is favouring the F-16 over rival proposals by Boeing to offer used and upgraded F-15s in eastern Europe.
Also on offer to Poland is the Saab/BAE Systems Gripen and Dassault Mirage 2000, while EADS proposes further upgrades of the Polish air force's existing Soviet-era fighters.
Source: Flight International
