22:31 22 November 2021
PZL Mielec will produce the main components for the global F-16 program
PZL Mielec, a company belonging to Lockheed Martin and one of the longest operating aircraft manufacturers in Poland, will become a production partner of one of the most successful supersonic fighter construction programs in the world. From next year, it will be preparing components and assemblies for the latest generation F-16 Block 70/72, maintaining approximately 200 jobs, and approximately 60 new jobs will be created through this initiative.
This event is a new and important milestone in the history of the PZL Mielec plant, which was recently involved in the production of jet aircraft over 20 years ago when the last I-22 Iryda training aircraft went off the production line.
From next year, PZL Mielec will produce the rear fuselage structure, center fuselage, cockpit structure, and its side panels with the front compartment for all F-16 fighters produced, later donating these aircraft components to the final Lockheed Martin assembly line in Greenville, South Carolina.
"Today's announcement underscores our commitment to PZL Mielec and increasing Lockheed Martin's industrial presence in Poland, where we currently employ around 1,600 people directly and provide over 5,000 more jobs in the Polish supply chain," Robert Orzyowski, Lockheed Martin director in Poland, and Central and Eastern Europe, said.
(WBJ)
