Wiring harnesses for the F-35 fighter jet will be produced at PZL Mielec

Fot. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics

Mielec, POLAND, October 26 - PZL Mielec, a Lockheed Martin company, will manufacture electrical wiring harnesses for the F-35 aircraft. These harnesses are a critical component of an aircraft's electrical system, responsible for transmitting power and signals between various onboard systems. A second new program at PZL Mielec will involve the production of cockpit structures for the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. Preparation for the implementation of these programs will be supported by a decision on support issued by the Industrial Development Agency S.A. (Agencja Rozwoju Przemysłu S.A.). On its basis, PZL Mielec will be able to benefit from an income tax exemption of up to approximately PLN 17 million.

The F-35, a multirole aircraft selected by 20 nations - including 13 in Europe - ensures sovereignty, strengthens NATO interoperability and enhance allied deterrence well into the future. With stealth technology, advanced sensors, payload and range, the F-35 serves as a cornerstone of European security.

“The inclusion of PZL Mielec in the global F-35 program marks an important milestone in our history and reflects Lockheed Martin’s continued investment in Poland’s aerospace industry. The F-35 is the world’s most advanced multirole aircraft, and securing production of its components in Mielec is a major achievement for our company and our employees,” said Janusz Zakręcki, President and General Director of PZL Mielec.

The program entails the production of 287 types of aerospace wiring harnesses, utilizing both traditional electrical connections and modern fiber-optic technologies. Ultimately, the facility will produce approximately 13.000 harnesses annually, involving the assembly of over 90.000 connectors and the execution of thousands of assembly, inspection, and testing operations.

The project requires the implementation of advanced technologies for the production and testing of fiber-optic harnesses and high-speed data transmission, as well as solutions ensuring the security of transmitted information. Given their application in a modern military aircraft, the product is subject to stringent quality, configuration, and traceability requirements.

Preparations for the implementation of new programs will also encompass the expansion of production infrastructure, investments in modern equipment, and the development of the skills of the teams responsible for production and quality.

A key factor enabling this investment is the support provided by the Industrial Development Agency JSC (Agencja Rozwoju Przemysłu S.A.) of the Polish Investment Zone. It is worth noting that this marks the second such support decision for PZL, confirming the company’s consistent development strategy and its confidence in Mielec as a location for investments of strategic importance.

The planned investment represents another stage in strengthening the company’s production capacity and reaffirms its long-term commitment to developing operations in the region. The project entails the diversification of production and will contribute to the creation of new jobs.

The electrical harness program for the F-35 aircraft will enter its production phase between 2027 and 2029, with the first delivery scheduled as early as July 2027.

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