Poland has officially received the first three Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters ordered under its ambitious air force modernization program, marking a major milestone for both the country and NATO’s eastern flank.
The aircraft arrived at Łask Air Base after flying from Fort Worth, Texas, with a stop at Lajes Air Base in the Azores. Poland has named its F-35 fleet “Husarz”, in reference to the legendary Polish Winged Hussars that became a symbol of military power between the 16th and 18th centuries.
Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz described the arrival as a historic moment, emphasizing that these are the first fifth-generation fighters permanently assigned to NATO’s eastern frontier. According to the minister, the acquisition represents not only new equipment, but Poland’s entry into the “top league” of modern air forces.
Warsaw signed the contract for 32 F-35A aircraft with Lockheed Martin in 2020 in a deal valued at approximately $4.6 billion, including training, simulators, and logistical support. Polish pilots have already been training on the aircraft in the United States since 2024.
The modernization effort is expected to continue rapidly. Fourteen aircraft should be delivered to Poland by the end of the year, with initial operational readiness expected in 2027. Full delivery of the 32-aircraft fleet is planned for completion by 2032.
The arrival of the F-35 further strengthens the growing presence of the platform across Europe, where multiple NATO members are either already operating or preparing to receive the fifth-generation fighter as part of broader defense modernization efforts driven by the evolving security environment in Eastern Europe.
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