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\u2019s military modernization and strengthening NATO\u2019s eastern flank.<\/p>\n
Three Lockheed Martin-produced F-35A aircraft landed at the 32nd Tactical Air Base in \u0141ask after departing from the company\u2019s production facility in Fort Worth.<\/p>\n
The aircraft reportedly made a stopover at Lajes Air Base before continuing their flight to Poland.<\/p>\n
NATO\u2019s eastern defenses enter new phase<\/p>\n
Polish officials described the arrival of the stealth fighter jets as a strategic shift in regional defense capabilities amid growing tensions on NATO\u2019s eastern borders.<\/p>\n
The jets, carrying tactical numbers \u201c3509,\u201d \u201c3510,\u201d and \u201c3511,\u201d were flown by contracted American pilots, while United States Air Force tanker aircraft provided aerial refueling support during the transfer mission.<\/p>\n
After entering Polish airspace, the F-35s were escorted by F-16 Fighting Falcon jets belonging to the Polish Air Force.<\/p>\n
Officials stated that one of the escort aircraft was piloted by Deputy Commander of the Polish Armed Forces, Major General Ireneusz Nowak.<\/p>\n
Polish defense minister calls delivery \u201chistoric milestone\u201d<\/p>\n
Speaking during the welcoming ceremony, Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister W\u0142adys\u0142aw Kosiniak-Kamysz said the delivery represented a turning point for the country\u2019s armed forces.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a significant milestone that truly changes the operational capabilities of the Polish Armed Forces,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n
Kosiniak-Kamysz also stressed that the F-35s are the first fifth-generation fighter aircraft deployed on NATO\u2019s eastern flank and would contribute to the security of both Poland and the wider region.<\/p>\n
Multi-billion-dollar modernization program continues<\/p>\n
Under an intergovernmental defense agreement, Poland ordered a total of 32 F-35A Husarz fighter jets as part of a broader military modernization initiative.<\/p>\n
The first eight aircraft are currently stationed at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, where Polish pilots and maintenance personnel continue training activities.<\/p>\n
Officials noted that while the first delivered aircraft were manufactured at Lockheed Martin\u2019s Fort Worth production line, some of the remaining jets are expected to come from the European assembly facility in Italy.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u0141ask Air Base undergoes extensive upgrades<\/p>\n
Poland has also carried out major infrastructure modernization work at \u0141ask Air Base to support the deployment and long-term operation of the stealth fighter fleet.<\/p>\n
International defense analysts say the F-35 program is expected to significantly enhance Poland\u2019s interoperability within NATO while strengthening the alliance\u2019s military posture near Russia\u2019s western borders.<\/p>\n
The deliveries are also viewed as part of Warsaw\u2019s broader effort to replace aging Soviet-era combat aircraft and expand advanced deterrence capabilities in Eastern Europe.\u00a0(ILKHA)<\/p>\n
Formun \u00dcst\u00fc<\/p>\n
Formun Alt\u0131<\/p>\n
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