Poland Welcomes Its First F-35A Stealth Fighters on Home Soil

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.

🇵🇱 Poland and the F-35: signals of a potential 64-aircraft expansion

Recent reports from Polish defence specialist  Krystian Pograniczny suggest that Poland could be preparing to expand its fleet of F-35 Lightning II aircraft, potentially moving beyond its current order toward a significantly larger force structure. While no official announcement has been made, indications point to the possible submission of a Letter of Request (LOR) for additional units in the near future.

Poland originally committed to 32 F-35A aircraft, marking a major step in its transition toward fifth-generation capabilities. 

The possibility of expanding the fleet to 64 aircraft—effectively doubling the initial order—would represent a substantial increase in capability. Structurally, this would translate into four operational squadrons, providing greater flexibility in force deployment and sustained operations.

One of the more notable aspects of these reports is the apparent shift away from alternative options. In particular, earlier discussions around acquiring air superiority platforms such as the F-15EX Eagle II now appear to have lost momentum. If confirmed, this would suggest a clearer strategic focus on a single fifth-generation platform rather than a mixed fleet approach.

From a planning perspective, the timing of a potential LOR would be significant. Submitting a request early is often necessary to secure favorable production slots, especially for high-demand platforms like the F-35. 

It is important to emphasize that these developments remain unconfirmed but the broader trend is consistent with Poland’s ongoing military modernization efforts. 

Poland Plans Major Expansion of Airlift and Aerial Refueling with A400M and A330 MRTT

Poland is preparing a significant leap forward in its air mobility and aerial refueling capabilities, with plans to acquire up to four Airbus A330-800 MRTT+ NEO tanker aircraft and up to ten Airbus A400M Atlas military transport aircraft. If confirmed, the move would mark one of the most ambitious airlift modernisation efforts in Central and Eastern Europe.

The planned acquisition reflects Warsaw’s growing emphasis on strategic autonomy, NATO interoperability, and long-range power projection. Poland currently relies heavily on a fleet of C-130 Hercules aircraft for medium airlift and on allied support for aerial refueling. The introduction of both the A330 MRTT+ and A400M would fundamentally transform these capabilities.

The A330-800 MRTT+ NEO, a next-generation tanker based on Airbus’ latest widebody platform, offers:

Long-range aerial refueling for fighters, transport aircraft, and bombers

Strategic airlift capability for troops and cargo

Medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) and VIP transport roles

Improved fuel efficiency and lower operating costs compared to earlier tanker designs

For the Polish Air Force, such aircraft would significantly enhance support for F-16, F-35A, and allied NATO operations, particularly on the alliance’s eastern flank.

A400M: Filling the Gap Between Tactical and Strategic Airlift

The proposed acquisition of up to ten A400M Atlas aircraft would provide Poland with a versatile airlift platform capable of bridging the gap between tactical transports and heavy strategic airlifters.

Key advantages of the A400M include:

Transport of heavy and oversized cargo, including armored vehicles

Short and semi-prepared runway operations

Aerial delivery of troops and equipment

Potential secondary role as a tanker for helicopters and fast jets

Such capabilities would allow Poland to rapidly deploy forces within Europe and beyond, while reducing dependence on allied strategic airlift.

This potential procurement aligns with Poland’s broader defence posture, which has seen rapid investment across air, land, and missile defence domains in response to the evolving security environment in Eastern Europe. Enhanced airlift and refueling capacity would improve Poland’s ability to host and support allied forces, reinforcing its role as a key NATO logistics hub.

At this stage, the plans have not yet resulted in signed contracts, and key details—such as delivery timelines, final quantities, and industrial participation—remain under discussion. However, the scale of the proposal alone underscores Poland’s intent to field one of the most capable air mobility fleets in the region.

If finalized, Poland’s acquisition of A330 MRTT+ NEO tankers and A400M transports would represent a decisive upgrade to its air power, providing long-range reach, sustained operations, and enhanced NATO interoperability. The move would place the Polish Air Force among Europe’s leading operators of modern air mobility platforms.

KAI Completes Delivery of FA-50 Jets to Polish Armed Forces

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has completed the delivery of all 12 FA-50 Fighting Eagles Block 10 light combat aircraft to the Polish Armed Forces, marking a significant enhancement of the Polish Air Force's capabilities following the transfer of Soviet-era MiG-29 aircraft to Ukraine.

This delivery fulfills one of two contracts signed between the Polish Ministry of Defense and KAI in September 2022. Last year, Poland secured a deal for 12 KAI FA-50 Block 10 jets valued at $705 million. This contract stipulated that deliveries would be completed by the end of 2023 and included a comprehensive package of training, logistics, and technical support.

Sources from the Polish Ministry of Defense indicate that the 12 FA-50 Block 10 jets, also known as FA-50GF (Gap Filler), will primarily serve the training needs of the Polish Air Force. Notably, Poland did not acquire any air-to-air weapons for these jets, and their stock of air-to-ground weapon systems is somewhat limited.

The second contract, signed in September 2023, involves the delivery of 36 FA-50 Block 20 aircraft (locally designated as "FA-50PL") between 2025 and 2028. These aircraft will be equipped with AESA radar, and the Polish Air Force has expressed intentions to integrate AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles into this air platform. The contract for these advanced jets is estimated at approximately $2.3 billion.

Regarding the AESA radar for the 36 FA-50 Block 20 aircraft, the Polish Armaments Agency announced plans to equip these fighters with Raytheon's PhantomStrike radar.

Subsequently, the Polish Ministry of Defense aims to upgrade the 12 FA-50 Block 10 aircraft, acquired under the first contract, to the FA-50PL standard. This move is part of Poland's broader strategy to modernize its air defense capabilities and maintain a robust defense posture in the tense Eastern European region.

Poland leases MQ-9A Reaper UAS as interim unmanned UAV Capability Gap

Poland is to lease a MQ-9 Reaper as an interim solution until it can field its own national medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aircraft system (UAS) capability.

Mariusz Błaszczak, the country's deputy prime minister and defence minister, made the disclosure on 21 October, announcing on his official Twitter account that the Reaper is being leased as “a bridging solution” for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).

It hasn't been disclosed how many Reaper systems or air vehicles Poland is leasing, or for how long.

Poland is looking to boost its unmanned aircraft capabilities, with currently only the tactical Neox system in service with the air force. Having recently signed for 24 Bayraktar TB2 unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs)from Turkey, with deliveries scheduled to begin later in 2022.

janes 

Polish defense minister: F-35 acquisition ‘not far away’

Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak said April 29 that the Polish government aimed to sign a deal to station U.S. troops in Poland this year, and a contract to purchase F-35 fighter jets was “not far away” from being signed.
Blaszczak’s announcement in an interview with local broadcaster TVP indicates that Warsaw could aim to negotiate on the potential troop deployment in parallel with the aircraft acquisition. Poland has pitched for the United States to build a permanent military base in the country, offering to pay at least $2 billion toward the project, dubbed “Fort Trump.”
On April 25, during her visit to Warsaw, Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson said that a U.S. Air Force team was to be sent to Poland in May to demonstrate the capabilities of the F-35 to Polish defence ministry officials
defensenews

Poland Places Order for 4 Additional M-346

Leonardo and the Armament Inspectorate of the Polish Ministry of National Defense have signed a contract to supply four additional M-346 Advanced Jet Trainers (AJT) that will join the Polish Air Force’s existing fleet of eight aircraft by 2020. The contract, worth more than 115 million euro, includes a support package. It also contains options for additional four aircraft and support package.
The four additional M-346 aircraft will be delivered by 2020 and will join the fleet of eight already in service.
leonardocompany

FINAL ASSEMBLY BEGINS FOR THE FIRST TWO POLISH AIR FORCE M-346 AIRCRAFT

Finmeccanica announces the kick-off of the final assembly phase for the first two M-346s for the Polish Air Force.
The delivery of the first two M-346 aircraft, built at Finmeccanica’s Aircraft Division facility in Venegono Superiore (Varese, Italy), is scheduled for the end of November 2016.
Signed in February 2014 with the Polish Ministry of Defence, the contact is to supply eight M-346 jet trainer aircraft to replace the currently operational TS-11 Iskra. The contract also includes logistic support; a training programme for pilots and engineers; a ground-based training system with dedicated classrooms and educational materials, including a Full Mission Simulator, a highly complex device able to replicate any possible operational scenario and also to be networked with real aircraft flying training missions.
The M-346 has also been ordered by Italy, Israel and Singapore, with 59 M-346 aircraft ordered so far. The aircraft is already in service with the Air Forces of Italy, Israel and the Republic of Singapore.
finmeccanica

The Netherlands, Poland and Norway to Prepare Negotiations to Buy A330 MRTT Tankers

The Netherlands, Poland and Norway have decided to prepare negotiations with Airbus Defence & Space for the acquisition of a fleet of A330 MRTT multirole transport and air-to-air refuelling aircraft. The participating nations would welcome other nations to join the initiative either before an actual procurement or subsequently.
This initiative, facilitated by the European Defence Agency, consists of the pooled acquisition and operation of a common fleet of aircraft by the three nations. Other nations will also be able to contribute to the overall programme through joining the acquisition phase and/or in-service phase. An initial operating capability is expected for 2019.
After market research supported by a targeted request for information, the three nations have identified that only one military off-the-shelf solution met their key requirements in terms of capabilities and timeframe. The nations therefore agreed to create a NATO Support Agency (NSPA) partnership which tasked the Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’ARmement (OCCAR) to prepare negotiations with Airbus Defence and Space for a possible acquisition of a fleet of A330 MRTT. This engagement in further negotiations does not constitute a commitment by EDA, NSPA, OCCAR or the Participating nations to place an order either as a result of this dialogue or at a subsequent stage.
A single configuration has been selected for this common fleet of multirole tanker transport aircraft, which should all be equipped with a rigid boom as well as underwing pods, thus allowing to refuel a large variety of receivers. They will also meet the users’ requirements in terms of passenger transport, strategic airlift, and medical evacuation. By developing synergies with similar fleets, the nations will further contribute to a reduced fragmentation and increased interoperability of air-to-air refuelling aircraft in Europe.
This decision is in accordance with the 22 March 2012 declaration of Defence Ministers to further develop European air-to-air refuelling capabilities, as well as with the letter of intent signed in November 2012 by ten nations. The December 2013 European Council also endorsed air-to-air refuelling as one of four key capability programmes to be developed by European Member States.
eda.europa

JASSMs To Equip Polish F-16s

Poland has signed a deal with Lockheed AGM-158 joint air-to-surface standoff missiles (JASSMs) for its fleet of 48 F-16 fighter jets.
Poland joins Australia and Finland as the third non-US country to acquire the missiles. The foreign military sale was approved by the US Congress in October.
The missiles will be delivered to Poland’s military from 2016 to 2019. The Polish Air Force will reach initial operational capability with the weapon in March 2017.
defensenews

Poland buys 40 AGM-158As

The US State Department has made a determination approving a possible sale to Poland for Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles and F-16 Operational Flight Plan upgrades, associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support.
The Government of Poland has requested a possible sale of 40 AGM-158A Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSM), 2 AGM-158A JASSM Live with Test Instrumentation Kit (TIK) and Flight Termination Systems (FTS), 2 AGM-158A JASSM Inert with TIK and FTS, and 2 Flight Certification Test Vehicles. Also included: Operational Flight Plan upgrade to M6.5 tape for the Polish F-16C/D Block 52 aircraft to include JASSM integration, missile containers, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment.
dsca

Eurofighter pitches Typhoon as Polish Su-22, MiG-29 replacement

The Eurofighter consortium believes it has put itself at the front of the line to answer a nascent Polish requirement for combat aircraft, to replace an air force fleet of ageing Soviet-era types.
Although a request for information has yet to be issued – and Eurofighter acknowledges that any contest may be years away – the company is keen to highlight the capability enhancements being introduced to the Typhoon. These include an active electronically scanned array radar and the integration of MBDA's Storm Shadow cruise missile and Brimstone 2 munitions.
flightglobal

Assembly work begins on first Polish M-346

Early assembly work is under way on the first Alenia Aermacchi M-346 advanced/lead-in fighter trainer destined to be delivered to the Polish air force in November 2016.
The order was confirmed in February 2014.
Warsaw ordered eight M-346s, plus associated simulators and other training equipment.
flightglobal

Boeing eyes Poland as first KC-46A export buyer

Boeing hopes that Poland will become the first export customer for the KC-46A Pegasus tanker it is developing for the US Air Force.
Warsaw has issued a request for proposals seeking as many as four tankers to help it meet refuelling requirements as part of the NATO alliance, with a decision expected by the year end.
Although the east European nation is also a member of the European Defence Agency, which has a separate requirement for eight tankers, Poland is keen to ensure its air force is not constrained by any decision taken by the EDA.
flightglobal

Poland advances MiG-29 upgrade

Deliveries of upgraded RAC MiG-29s to the Polish air force are continuing, and negotiations for a second batch may begin soon.
The upgrade is being performed by Poland's WZL-2 Military Aviation Works, and is based on a design and systems supplied by Israel Aerospace Industries. The modernisation package includes new avionics, cockpit instruments and an advanced debriefing system.
WZL-2 last year delivered the first of 13 upgraded MiG-29A fighters and three UB-model trainers from the current contract. The work involves roughly half of the Polish air force's fleet of the type.
Separately, the WZL-2 depot is to perform a basic upgrade on 18 Sukhoi Su-22s for the service. This will enable Poland to extend operations with the type for another 10 years.
Long-term, Poland also has an interest in potentially acquiring the Lockheed Martin F-35, to join its air force fleet of 48 F-16C/Ds.
flightglobal

Poland Retains Su-22s, Wants New Attack Helicopters

Faced with a worsening security situation in neighboring Ukraine, Poland has issued a requirement for new attack helicopters. Meanwhile, the country’s choice of 72 new multirole helicopters remains undecided. Budget shortfalls continue to frustrate the armed forces’ desire for new equipment. Earlier this year, Poland decided to retain one squadron of aging Su-22 strike aircraft for up to 10 more years, since it cannot afford a replacement.
Poland currently operates 28 Mil Mi-24 attack helicopters, the remnants of 52 acquired since 1978. The new proposal is to buy about 32 replacements in two stages, with an initial 20 to be followed by 12 more beginning in 2022. Candidates include the AgustaWestland AW129 or its Turkish sibling, the TAI T-129; the Airbus Helicopters EC665 Tiger; and the Boeing AH-64E Apache. Offers are scheduled to be considered next year.
Meanwhile, the multirole helicopter contract award has been postponed until next year, two years later than originally envisioned. The AgustaWestland AW149, Airbus Helicopters EC725 Caracal and Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk are in contention, each OEM having partnered with a local company for production and support (PZL-Swidnik, Heli-Invest and Mielec, respectively). The army is slated to receive 48 helicopters for troop transport, with the air force receiving 10 for SAR, and the navy receiving another six for SAR plus six for the ASW role. They will replace about 16 Mi-8s, 10 Mi-14s and 20 Mi-17s that remain in service from much larger numbers acquired previously.
The decision to retain 12 single-seat and six two-seat Su-22Ms for another 10 years was taken last February and was driven by the choice of the Aermacchi M346 as the air force’s new jet trainer. The air force received 110 Su-22s beginning in 1984; 32 remain in service. They have received only minor avionics upgrades.
The Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Block 52 is Poland’s frontline fighter, with 48 delivered between 2006. Poland hopes to share the development cost of future upgrades, such as an AESA radar, with the U.S. Air Force. However, the U.S. F-16 upgrade program faces an uncertain future. The air force also operates two squadrons of MiG-29s.
ainonline

United Kingdom dispatching 4 fighter jets to patrol airspace over Baltic states

Britain is dispatching four Typhoon fighter jets to patrol the airspace of Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
They will perform their patrolling mission alongside with six fighter jets of the Polish Air Force and will serve as a replacement for six F15 jets of the US Air Force.
British Defense Secretary said the Typhoons would support Poland’s contribution to the operation destined to calm down the apprehensions of easternmost member-states of the North-Atlantic pact.
The effort also involves more than 50 members of ground personnel.
itar-tass

United Kingdom offers Typhoons for Baltic Air Policing Mission

The UK has offered to deploy a number of Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft to Lithuania to bolster the NATO-led Baltic Air Policing Mission.
RAF Typhoons would be made available to bolster the Polish detachment at Siauliai Air Base from April. It is likely that four aircraft would be deployed to match the four MiG-29 of the Polish Air Force.
The UK has contributed aircraft to the Baltic Air Policing Mission on one other occasion, with Tornado F.3 fighters in 2004, and this is the first time that it has offered to bolster another nation's detachment.
The offer was made as regional tensions continue to rise following the Russian invasion of the Ukrainian region of Crimea
UK's offer is the latest in a series of aircraft movements by both the West and Russia that are designed to send signals of intent rather than to boost actual regional combat capabilities.
The US Air Force has already bolstered its current Baltic Air Policing detachment of four Boeing F-15C Eagles with a further six aircraft, and has sent 12 Lockheed Martin F-16 to Poland. NATO and the UK have also dispatched Boeing E-3 Airborne Warning And Control Systems (AWACS) aircraft to patrol Eastern European airspace. For its part, Russia has sent six Su-27 'Flanker' fighters and a Beriev A-50 'Mainstay' airborne early warning aircraft to Belarus, and on 17 March Russia's Air Force Commander announced that 24 Su-27 fighters would be located at Baranovichi Air Base in Belarus by the end of the year.
janes

Ukraine, Poland To Hold Joint Air Force Drills

Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense has announced plans to hold joint drills of the Ukrainian and Polish air forces. Under the plan, Ukraine’s Mikoyan MiG-29 and Sukhoi Su-27 jet fighters will participate in the military exercises along with Poland’s F-16s and Mikoyan MiG-29st.
The Safe Sky 2014 drills are scheduled from May to July. The drills will be focused on the tactical aspects of intercepting air targets.
The latest move comes as Russia-backed troops are concentrating in Ukraine’s Crimea. The pro-Russian forces have taken over a number of Ukrainian military facilities there.
Poland has been one of the most vocal critics of the Russian intervention in Ukraine.
defensenews

Poland unveils Orlik MPT trainer

Poland's PZL-130 Orlik MPT (multipurpose trainer) was unveiled at Airbus Defence & Space's Warsaw.
The MPT project provides an upgrade to the Orlik TC I turboprop operated by the Polish air force since 2011. The service operates 16 of the current model.
The new version incorporates a more efficient wing, a 750hp (560kW) Pratt & Whitney PT6A-25C turboprop engine with a four-bladed Hartzell propeller with blade anti-icing system, and Martin-Baker Mk 11L ejection seats. First flight is scheduled for late March.
Digital avionics include two multifunctional displays and a head-up display (HUD) in the front cockpit, plus two displays and a HUD repeater in the rear cockpit, with lighting compatible for operations using night vision goggles. A third cockpit display is offered as an option.
The Orlik MPT will support tasks including basic tactical training, with its avionics capable of emulating air-to-air and air-to-surface tasks using virtual ammunition and flying air combat training against up to three virtual targets. Airbus is now carrying out feasibility studies for an Orlik air combat support variant, which would be able to carry up to 500kg (1,100lb) of weapons using six under-wing hardpoints.
In February, the defence ministry's inspectorate of armament launched a market analysis for an Orlik TC-II glass cockpit upgrade, seeking 12 new aircraft to be acquired for use from 2018. The type will be used during an introduction to fighter fundamentals course, before pilots progress to the air force's future Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master and the Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Block 52+ Fighting Falcon.
Other potential customers for the Orlik MPT are countries in Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East, Airbus says. The new design's price will be "significantly lower" than the Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucano.
flightglobal