ISTANBUL

Poland signed a $3.8 billion contract with the US government to upgrade its entire fleet of F-16 fighter jets, Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said Wednesday.

The country has ramped up military modernization efforts amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, according to Polish broadcaster TVP World.

Speaking at the signing ceremony for the contract, Kosiniak-Kamysz said the agreement with the US covers the upgrade of all 48 of Poland’s F-16C/D Block 52+ aircraft.

The multi-role aircraft currently form the core of Poland's combat air forces.

Kosiniak-Kamysz said that while the current C/D version remains “very good,” it has become inadequate against today’s security threats after 20 years of use.

Poland plans to increase its defense spending from 4.7% of its GDP this year to 5% next year. If the country achieves this, it will be one of the first NATO countries to reach the spending target set during the alliance’s summit in June.

Additionally, by 2030, Poland is expected to have more tanks than the combined total of the UK, Germany, France and Italy after signing a multi-billion-euro deal last month with South Korean defense company Hyundai Rotem to acquire 180 additional K2 main battle tanks.