Pratt & Whitney to explore expanding MRO capabilities in Poland

Pratt & Whitney has signed a letter of intent (LoI) with Wojskowe Zaklady Lotnicze Nr. 2 S.A. (WZL2) to explore expanding MRO capabilities in Poland, aiming to meet the increasing needs of the Polish Air Force.

“We are identifying ways to increase F100 engine sustainment work in Poland to ensure our Polish ally has the propulsion power they need,” said Piotr Owsicki, General Director of Pratt & Whitney Rzeszów. “We plan to leverage our existing knowledge and experience, as well as infrastructure testing facilities, to provide the full cycle of F100 engine maintenance within the country.”

Between 2005 and 2008, the original F100 engines powering the Polish Air Force's F-16 fleet were manufactured by Polish employees at the Pratt & Whitney Rzeszów facility. Nearly 20 years later, the facility continues to support the F100 programme by producing static structures and critical rotating parts for both new engines and global sustainment efforts.

“Our cooperation with Pratt & Whitney Rzeszów dates back to when they produced the F100 engines for the Polish F-16 fleet,” said Dariusz Sokólski, President of Military Aviation Works No. 2 S.A. “Participating in subsequent projects represents a natural development of WZL2's capabilities beyond F100 engine module repairs. This collaboration will open up more opportunities to support the Polish Air Force in the future.”

Should the Polish Air Force choose the F-15EX to enhance its defence capabilities, the F100 engine would be the optimal propulsion solution. The Polish Air Force's existing familiarity with the F100, coupled with the industry's long-standing MRO capabilities, would offer the most cost-effective and lowest-risk approach to sustaining the engines and ensuring fleet readiness for both the F-15EX and F-16.