Polish PZL Mielec will produce parts for the F-16s

Starting next year, PZL Mielec will manufacture components for the newly produced F-16 fighter jets, informed the Lockheed Martin company, which owns the Mielec plant. The inclusion of PZL Mielec in the global supply chain of Lockheed Martin will contribute to keeping 200 and creating 60 new jobs.

From 2022, PZL Mielec will provide the rear and middle part of the fuselage, cockpit structure, cockpit side panel, and front equipment compartment for all F-16 fighters produced. The components from Mielec will be transferred to the final Lockheed Martin assembly line in Greenville, South Carolina.

Lockheed Martin currently employs about 1,600 people in Poland directly and provides work for over 5,000 other people within the Polish supply chain.

The company said that "with orders already confirmed for F-16 Block 70/72 from Bahrain, Bulgaria, Slovakia, and two other international customers, global interest in the newly manufactured fighters and upgraded F-16V remains high."

Lockheed Martin's plant in Mielec produces S-70i Black Hawk helicopters and M28 transport aircraft. Lockheed Martin pointed out that Mielec was involved in the production of military jets over 20 years ago when it produced I-22 Iryda training and combat aircraft.