On August 28th, at a release ceremony held at Lockheed Martin’s F-35 production facility, the Polish government was presented with the first F-35A Lightning II fighter jet, marking a significant milestone in the history of the Polish Air Force and strengthening the alliance between the United States and Poland. A Polish general stated that the F-35 is a game-changer in the air domain.
Representatives from the Polish military, U.S. officials, and other dignitaries attended the ceremony. Major General Ireneusz Nowak, Chief Inspector of the Polish Air Force, expressed pride in launching the next generation F-35, emphasizing its role in protecting and defending Poland’s future. He noted that by joining the powerful fifth-generation fighter jet alliance in Europe, Poland aims to enhance air superiority through allied deterrence.
The Polish F-35 fighter jet has been named “Husarz” (watch the video
here
).
As the only country bordering Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus simultaneously, a Polish Deputy Minister of Defense Cezary Tomczyk emphasized the need for top-tier equipment, capabilities, and reliable allies to maintain border stability. He highlighted the aircraft’s contribution to regional security and NATO’s credibility and deterrence.
Major General Nowak emphasized during the ceremony that the F-35 would significantly contribute to Poland’s and the region’s security as well as NATO’s reputation and deterrence capabilities. He reaffirmed the commitment to utilize the aircraft to achieve their goals.
Addressing Polish pilots present at the event, Nowak wished them luck, humorously stating his hope for an equal number of take-offs and landings. He expressed the desire for the aircraft to serve as a deterrent rather than seeing combat action.
The F-35 unveiled today is the first of 32 aircraft ordered by Poland through a $4.6 billion agreement signed with the United States in 2020 for conventional takeoff and landing configuration fighters. The order includes 33 Pratt & Whitney-manufactured F135 engines, training, and logistical services.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which raised threats for the Polish people, this military modernization effort reflects a renewed commitment to security. Nowak’s confidence was evident as he pointed to the F-35 on display, believing it would be a game-changer in the air domain.
Poland joins the global F-35 operating community, with Germany and the Czech Republic having also signed agreements for the rare jet program. Several other NATO member states are customers of Lockheed Martin, supporting the U.S. Air Force General James Hecker’s “design integration” military plan. Hecker, who serves as NATO’s Air Chief, anticipates over 600 F-35 jets in operation within NATO by 2030, with around 50 flown by the U.S. Air Force.
“The achievement requires collective efforts from all 32 NATO member countries,” Hecker stated in July regarding NATO’s air defense capabilities.
Currently, the F-35 serves at 32 bases globally. Lockheed Martin has delivered over 1,000 F-35 fighter jets to date, training more than 2,540 pilots and 16,690 maintenance personnel. The F-35 fleet’s total flight time has surpassed 889,000 hours.
(This article references reports from Breaking Defense and Lockheed Martin’s press release)