Poland is acquiring its first multi-role F-35 aircraft. The official presentation of the first machine, which rolled off the production line, took place at the Lockheed Martin headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas. "This is another milestone in the transformation of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland" - said Deputy Minister of Defense Paweł Bejda during the event. Cezary Tomczyk also attended the ceremony.
F-35s Could Change the Face of the Polish Military
The Ministry of National Defense asserts that the purchase of 32 aircraft is part of the transformation of the Polish military. The contract for the delivery of fifth-generation F-35 fighters under the Harpia program was signed by Mariusz Błaszczak, who was the Minister of Defense in 2020.
It will transform into a modern, well-equipped, well-trained, and well-commanded military that, together with its allies, will ensure the safety of our Homeland. I have no doubt that this event is happening at a crucial moment, as the security situation in the world has drastically changed since Russia's aggression against Ukraine. We all must be ready to defend NATO's borders
- reads a post by the Ministry of National Defense.
The F-35 was developed as part of the Joint Strike Fighter program initiated in 1993 for all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. The aircraft is designed for air combat, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions. The aircraft's shape and radar-absorbing coatings give it reduced detectability. They are distinguished by their interoperability, working with systems like PATRIOT and F-16 fighters, which are also part of the Polish Armed Forces’ inventory.
"We Can Be Proud"
The official presentation was filled with gravitas. Deputy Minister Paweł Bejda emphasized that thanks to the F-35 aircraft, the Polish Armed Forces are becoming part of an elite that enhances defense capabilities in this part of Europe. With the purchase of the F-35s, Poland will join a select, elite group of countries possessing these aircraft.
We can be proud that our F-35s, the Polish F-35s, will be part of this group. Poland will receive 32 F-35 aircraft, which, combined with our F-16s, will strengthen our ability to protect Poland's eastern border and NATO's eastern flank. Our task is to build a larger and more advanced air fleet that can meet new challenges
- said the Deputy Minister of Defense. The Polish multi-role F-35s will bear the name "Husarz" (a soldier of the hussars, a light-heavy cavalry formation of the First Polish Republic), which was chosen in a nationwide competition.
The aircraft presented in Fort Worth will first be delivered to the Ebbing National Guard Air Base in Arkansas, where Polish pilots will undergo training. According to plans, the first aircraft are expected to arrive in Poland in 2026, with deliveries continuing until 2030. The contract value for the aircraft is 4.6 billion dollars.
