Poland plans to manufacture up to 80 per cent of the fuselage structure of the modernised F-16 Block 70/72 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft

Polish company Polskie Zakłady Lotnicze Mielec announced the successful production of the first fuselage structure for the F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jet. In the future, the plant plans to significantly increase production volumes.

Here's What We Know

PZL Mielec is part of the American Lockheed Martin. The day before, the company officially announced the production of the first fuselage design for the modernised Block 70/72 (Viper) level F-16 fighter.

At the moment, the Polish plant is capable of producing approximately 50% of the aircraft's fuselage structure. However, in the future the company intends to increase this figure to 70-80%. PZL Mielec wants to reach this level by the end of next year.

Polish specialists were trained in the USA at the Lockheed Martin plant. Production was set up in a "historical hangar", which has been modernised. Previously, Iryda combat trainer aircraft were built there.

Source: PAP, PZL Mielec