NATO ally Poland signed a $250 million contract to upgrade its F-16s and equip the jets with JASSM advanced cruise missiles in a ceremony at Poznan AB, Poland, on Dec. 11. “Never in history have we had such modern weapons as we are getting as a result of this deal,” Polish Defense Minister Tomasz Siemoniak said at the ceremony the same day, reported the Associated Press. Lockheed Martin will deliver a total of 40 AGM-158 JASSMs in addition to F-16 flight planning upgrades and associated training, parts, and logistics. “This sale demonstrates the very strong commitment of the United States to supporting Poland’s defense modernization, and will strengthen Poland’s capacity to meet current and future threats from enemy weapons systems,” stated US ambassador to Poland, Stephen Mull in a release announcing the sale earlier this year. The JASSMs will be delivered over the next two years and Poland plans to have them fully operational by 2017, according to AP.
U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagles have roared out of Barnes Air National Guard Base, Mass., for the last time. The 104th Fighter Wing’s last three F-15Cs departed the base Oct. 23 for the “Boneyard” at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., ending the aircraft's era on the frontlines of homeland defense.
