F-16 currently the best option for the air force, officials say after trip to US

Two leading members of the government have returned from a trip to the US full of praise for an improved American offer concerning the sale of 48 F-16 fighter jets to the Polish air force. Deputy Defense Minister Janusz Zemke and deputy Economy Minister Andrzej Szarawarski said the Americans are promising very attractive investments and orders, sufficient to compensate for the financial outlay by the Polish government. "The industry offer concerning the F-16 fighters is currently the best one," Szarawarski commented. However, he declined to reveal details of the American offer, besides saying it is versatile and not limited to the aviation industry. A decision on the $3.5 billion contract to re-equip the Polish air force is expected within six months. The F-16 is facing competition from the Swedish Gripen and the French Mirage-2000. (Rzeczpospolita, p. A1) A.K.