Poland is engaging in strategic discussions with Boeing regarding the acquisition and industrial cooperation of the F-15EX fighter jet, a move that could significantly enhance Polish Air Force capabilities and bolster the country’s high-tech industry footprint.

Boeing remains active in discussing Poland’s plans to purchase additional combat aircraft squadrons, suggesting their latest heavy fighter jet, the F-15EX.

As revealed by Defence24, the sales offer comes with a proposition for economic cooperation, with ongoing talks on the subject.

Rob Novotny, Director of F-15 Sales and a former F-15 pilot, shared insights into the potential integration and expansion of the Polish aerospace industry, in line with the country’s needs.

According to Novotny, “At the beginning of 2024, we discussed the F-15EX with representatives of the Polish Air Force and Armament Agency. This April, we returned with an industrial cooperation team to assess investment opportunities in Poland and cooperation with the Polish industry.”

Boeing’s team mainly explored cooperation possibilities with WZL Nr 2 and is in talks with the Polish Armament Group. Boeing representatives acknowledge that Poland has many technically educated people, making it a country worth investing in when it comes to high-technology industries. Boeing currently employs 1,100 people in Poland, including programmers and engineers located in Gdańsk, Warsaw, and Rzeszów.

“With the development of the Polish aerospace industry, for example, in terms of production and logistical capabilities, Boeing is interested in identifying new areas for cooperation to really expand them, if we can come to an agreement regarding the F-15EX,” Novotny declared.

The potential inclusion of Poland in the F-15 supply chains hinges on Poland’s articulated needs and the outcome of intergovernmental agreements. If the order is placed relatively quickly, the beginning of deliveries could occur around the turn of 2029 and 2030, concluding within a few years. Any later order would accordingly push back the delivery timeline.

Boeing has expressed confidence that prospects for the F-15 are promising. “Each customer currently flying F-15s is either interested in buying new F-15EXs or upgrading to a standard providing similar capabilities,” Novotny pointed out.

This includes potential international interest, with Israel requesting 25 aircraft with an option for 25 more, Qatar’s additional order for 12 jets, and ongoing discussions with Indonesia regarding 24 units and Poland for 32.

When discussing the F-15EX’s abilities, Novotny emphasized, “Poland is very close to potential threats. Closer than many other countries. You could say the F-15EX was built for such an occasion: it is capable of immediate takeoff with a large amount of weaponry and very rapid ascent to 12-14 kilometers. It sees well thanks to its powerful radar.”

He continued, explaining that the F-15EX offers capabilities that can complement the Polish Air Force’s fleet of F-16s and F-35s.

“The Air Forces of the United States, Israel, but also Korea, Singapore, and Japan rely on the cooperation of these three machines,” Novotny said.

The proposition to integrate F-15EX fighters into the Polish Air Force presents an intriguing balance of bolstering military prowess and stimulating the local high-tech industry.

Such an acquisition would not only serve as a strategic upgrade to Poland’s defense capabilities but also reflect the country’s commitment to advancing its technological and industrial sectors in collaboration with Boeing’s global aerospace legacy.

Relevant articles:
– F-15EX z polskimi częściami i serwisem? Trwają rozmowy, Defence24
– Czy Polska potrzebuje F, MILMAG
– 15EX oblatany. Kiedy ruszy pełna produkcja?, Portal Obronny
– Boeing F-15EX Eagle II – Najpotężniejszy wielozadaniowy myśliwiec, Wydawnictwo militarne ZBiAM