WARSAW — Boeing has stepped up efforts to secure a major defense contract with Poland, unveiling an expanded proposal that combines its F-15EX Eagle II fighter jet with the MQ-28 Ghost Bat drone and a new industrial partnership program aimed at boosting Poland’s domestic defense industry.
The offer, presented recently to Poland’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) in Warsaw, marks a significant evolution in Boeing’s campaign to win the country’s order for 32 new fighter aircraft. It reflects both the company’s strategic focus on Central Europe and Poland’s ambitions to modernize its airpower amid regional security concerns.
Boeing Seeks to Regain Momentum
Boeing’s renewed pitch follows two years of discussions and is designed to rekindle Warsaw’s interest in the F-15EX program. The twin-seat fighter, initially introduced to Polish officials at the MSPO International Defense Industry Exposition in 2023, is now being offered alongside the MQ-28 Ghost Bat — an autonomous combat drone that can act as a “loyal wingman” to crewed aircraft.
According to Boeing, the pairing enhances interoperability, survivability, and mission flexibility, while supporting Poland’s long-term goal of achieving greater self-reliance in defense production.
Tim Flood, Boeing’s senior director for Global Business Development in Europe and the Americas, previously noted that the F-15EX “aligns with Poland’s defense modernization goals by combining affordability, operational readiness, and support for domestic industry.”
The MQ-28 Ghost Bat, developed with artificial intelligence and stealth capabilities, is designed for a variety of missions including intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and strike support. Operated in tandem with the F-15EX, it can extend sensor range, act as a decoy, or perform independent strike operations, providing what Boeing describes as “affordable mass” and a new level of manned-unmanned teaming.
Partnership With Polish Industry
A key element of Boeing’s proposal lies in its industrial cooperation plan, which aims to involve local defense firms and research institutions in the production, maintenance, and sustainment of the aircraft and its systems.
Marissa Myers, Boeing’s senior business development manager, said the company “is seeking partners across manufacturing, R&D, and maintenance sectors.”
Boeing has already signed several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Polish firms and universities, including a partnership between GE Aerospace and Poland’s WZL-2 to explore domestic maintenance for the F110-GE-129 engine powering the F-15EX.
The approach echoes Boeing’s model in Indonesia, where it pledged up to 85% local production for its F-15EX proposal. While the company has not disclosed the percentage planned for Poland, the message is clear: Boeing wants Polish firms to take an active role in supporting advanced fighter operations.
Poland’s Airpower Expansion
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Poland has become one of Europe’s most aggressive defense investors, with plans to expand its fighter fleet to roughly 160 aircraft across 10 squadrons. The country is acquiring 48 FA-50 light fighters from South Korea’s KAI and upgrading its F-16C/D Block 52+ fleet to the F-16V standard.
The F-15EX, capable of carrying up to 12 AMRAAM missiles and a 30,000-pound payload, would serve as a high-end complement to Poland’s incoming fleet of F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters.
While the F-35 excels at stealth and deep-penetration missions, the F-15EX offers range, payload, and speed advantages, giving Poland the ability to conduct extended strike operations and maintain air dominance across the region.
Performance and Capabilities
The F-15EX Eagle II is equipped with the APG-82 active electronically scanned array radar, the EPAWSS electronic warfare suite, and digital fly-by-wire controls. With a combat radius of over 1,000 kilometers and a top speed of Mach 2.5, the aircraft can project power well beyond Poland’s borders.
When teamed with the MQ-28 Ghost Bat, the fighter’s mission options multiply. The drone can operate as a decoy, electronic warfare platform, or reconnaissance asset — all controlled securely by the F-15EX crew.
Deepening Defense Ties
Boeing’s offer builds on decades of presence in Poland and follows the country’s recent $10 billion purchase of 96 AH-64E Apache helicopters, which will make Poland the largest Apache operator outside the United States. The company has also offered its KC-46 tanker to enhance Poland’s aerial refueling capabilities.
Whether Poland proceeds with the F-15EX procurement remains to be seen, but Boeing’s intensified campaign underscores its commitment to deepening industrial and defense partnerships in one of NATO’s fastest-growing military markets.
