Armed Forces
Delivery of first F-16 Block 70 component structures manufactured by PZL Mielec
PZL Mielec, a Lockheed Martin company and one of Poland’s longest established aircraft manufacturers, completed the first two component structures for the latest version F-16, the Block 70/72. This development marks a significant milestone for PZL Mielec, which currnely employs 1,500 people across its business in Aviation Valley and sustains jobs for more than 5,000 more in Poalnd’s supply chain.
"The F-16 remains a critical part of the Polish Air Force and becomes a cornerstone of fixed wing aircraft fleet for numerous armies in Central and Eastern Europe" says Danya Trent, Lockheed Martin vice president, F-16 program. "This new production work at PZL Mielec will further ensure that Poland is part of the F-16 global enterprise for many years to come and will bring further opportunities for other local enterprises."
The completed structures included the aft and forward sections of the aircraft's center fuselage. Both are destined for Lockheed Martin's F-16 final assembly line in Greenville, south Carolina.
The implementation and preparation work for the F-16 structure manufacturing in Mielec started last year and included modernisation and preparation of the production space as well as setting up the production line. Concurrently, a group of 46 PZL Mielec employees - production workers and leaders, traveled for to spend six months working in Greenville, gaining experience, and learning about F-16 production processes,in preparation for their future work in Mielec.
"The timely completion of the first F-16 structures is a very important moment for PZL Mielec and its employees. This means PZL Mielec's return to military jet manufacturing and the beginning of PZL's participation in the production of the F16." – said Janusz Zakręcki, PZL Mielec President, General Director.
The F-16 is a strategic and valuable choice for many customers around the world seeking advanced, 4th generation fighter aircraft capabilities, regional and worldwide partnerships and affordable lifecycle costs. It is a critical piece of 21st century security, serving a critical role in missions around the world, and is a key enabler of air dominance at home.
Press release from PZL Mielec