Warsaw is expanding its stealth fighter fleet, with the latest delivery marking another step in Poland’s long-term defense modernization plans.
Poland is preparing to receive another five fifth-generation F-35A multirole fighter jets. The aircraft are headed to the 32nd Tactical Air Base in Łask.
Deputy Prime Minister and Poland’s Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz announced the arrival of the new batch on X.
Another five F-35 aircraft bearing the Polish checkerboard insignia (the national Air Force emblem – ed.) are headed to the 32nd Tactical Air Base. This will strengthen not only the Air Force’s capabilities, but also the entire security system that we are building together with our allies.
– Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz
Poland Will Have Eight F-35 Fighter Jets
Following the arrival of the five aircraft, the number of F-35s in the Polish Air Force will increase to eight. Poland received its first three F-35A fighters in May, and they were also delivered to the 32nd Tactical Air Base in Łask.
In 2020, Poland signed a contract with the United States worth approximately $4.6 billion for the delivery of 32 F-35A Lightning II fighter jets. The Polish side has named these aircraft Husarz, or “Hussar.”
F-35A Delivery Schedule for the Polish Air Force
The Polish Air Force plans to expand its F-35 fighter fleet in stages:
by the end of the year, Poland expects to receive a total of 14 F-35 aircraft;
another 12 fighter jets are expected to arrive by the end of 2027;
delivery of all 32 F-35As is expected to be completed by 2030.
Capabilities of the F-35A Lightning II Fighter Jet
The F-35A Lightning II is a fifth-generation multirole fighter jet. It can carry out air combat, reconnaissance, and ground-strike missions. The arrival of the new aircraft is expected to strengthen the capabilities of the Polish Air Force and the country’s overall security system.