Since the MSPO 2023 Defense Exhibition, Poland has been in discussions with the American company Boeing regarding the potential acquisition of 32 F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets. This news comes shortly after Lockheed Martin announced that the first F-35A “Husarz” jets destined for Poland are expected to be assembled by next summer in Fort Worth, Texas, before being moved to Fort Smith, Arkansas, for pilot training.
According to sources at Boeing, discussions took place with representatives from the Polish Armament Agency and the Air Force at the beginning of 2024. Rob Novotny, a Boeing official, stated in an interview with the specialized site Defence24 that the talks also focused on investment opportunities in Poland and cooperation with the local defense industry, notably with WZL Nr 2 and the PGZ group (Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa).
The discussions would explore new areas of cooperation, particularly in the production of components and engineering work for the F-15EX, as well as technical support, as highlighted by Mr. Novotny. These talks could lead to strengthening Boeing’s supply chain and industrial base in Poland, thereby offering mutual benefits.
Poland’s choice of the F-15EX could significantly boost its military capabilities. The F-15EX is an advanced version of the proven fighter aircraft, equipped with two F110-GE-129 engines, electronic flight controls, a digital cockpit, and an AESA APG-82(V)1 active antenna radar. It also features an advanced electronic warfare suite and can carry up to 12 air-to-air missiles.