Poland has officially received the first batch of its ordered fleet of 32 F-35A Lightning II Husarz fighter jets, marking a major milestone in the country’s military modernization and strengthening NATO’s eastern flank.

Three Lockheed Martin-produced F-35A aircraft landed at the 32nd Tactical Air Base in Łask after departing from the company’s production facility in Fort Worth.

The aircraft reportedly made a stopover at Lajes Air Base before continuing their flight to Poland.

NATO’s eastern defenses enter new phase

Polish officials described the arrival of the stealth fighter jets as a strategic shift in regional defense capabilities amid growing tensions on NATO’s eastern borders.

The jets, carrying tactical numbers “3509,” “3510,” and “3511,” were flown by contracted American pilots, while United States Air Force tanker aircraft provided aerial refueling support during the transfer mission.

After entering Polish airspace, the F-35s were escorted by F-16 Fighting Falcon jets belonging to the Polish Air Force.

Officials stated that one of the escort aircraft was piloted by Deputy Commander of the Polish Armed Forces, Major General Ireneusz Nowak.

Polish defense minister calls delivery “historic milestone”

Speaking during the welcoming ceremony, Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said the delivery represented a turning point for the country’s armed forces.

“This is a significant milestone that truly changes the operational capabilities of the Polish Armed Forces,” he stated.

Kosiniak-Kamysz also stressed that the F-35s are the first fifth-generation fighter aircraft deployed on NATO’s eastern flank and would contribute to the security of both Poland and the wider region.

Multi-billion-dollar modernization program continues

Under an intergovernmental defense agreement, Poland ordered a total of 32 F-35A Husarz fighter jets as part of a broader military modernization initiative.

The first eight aircraft are currently stationed at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, where Polish pilots and maintenance personnel continue training activities.

Officials noted that while the first delivered aircraft were manufactured at Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth production line, some of the remaining jets are expected to come from the European assembly facility in Italy.

According to the Polish Ministry of National Defence, 11 more F-35A aircraft are expected to arrive by the end of 2026, with additional deliveries planned through 2029.

Łask Air Base undergoes extensive upgrades

Poland has also carried out major infrastructure modernization work at Łask Air Base to support the deployment and long-term operation of the stealth fighter fleet.

International defense analysts say the F-35 program is expected to significantly enhance Poland’s interoperability within NATO while strengthening the alliance’s military posture near Russia’s western borders.

The deliveries are also viewed as part of Warsaw’s broader effort to replace aging Soviet-era combat aircraft and expand advanced deterrence capabilities in Eastern Europe. (ILKHA)

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