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.

Polish Military to Receive 96 Boeing Apaches in Historic $10 Billion Purchase

Poland's Ministry of National Defence has finalized a major agreement with the United States to acquire 96 Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, along with associated gear and weaponry, for its armed forces. The signing ceremony, which took place on August 13, was attended by Poland's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister.

Valued at approximately $10 billion, this acquisition represents the largest procurement of Western-made helicopters in Poland's history. The deal also includes offset agreements, ensuring that Poland’s defense industry will participate in the maintenance and upgrade of these helicopters.

The new Apaches will replace the aging fleet of Soviet-designed Mil Mi-2 and Mi-24 helicopters currently in service. Once all 96 helicopters are delivered, Poland will become the second-largest operator of Apache helicopters globally, after the U.S. military.

The helicopters will be stationed at the 1st Aviation Brigade in Inowrocław, in western Poland, where they will provide aerial support to Polish ground forces. This purchase is part of Poland's broader effort to modernize its military in response to security concerns following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The U.S. State Department approved the foreign military sale to Poland on August 21, 2023. In addition to the helicopters, the contract includes a wide array of weaponry, such as 1,844 AGM-114R2 Hellfire missiles, 460 AGM-179A Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles, and 508 Stinger 92K Block I missiles.

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.

First Two AW149 Helicopters Officially Handed Over to Poland

Poland has taken delivery of the first two Leonardo AW149 helicopters, marking a significant step in modernizing its military aviation capabilities. The AW149, a versatile multirole helicopter, will play a vital role in enhancing Poland's military operations.

These helicopters are part of a larger order placed by the Polish Ministry of Defense in the summer of 2022, where a contract was signed with PZL Świdnik for 32 AW149 helicopters. These helicopters are expected to be delivered between 2023 and 2029.

In addition to the AW149 helicopters, the US State Department approved Poland's request for 800 AGM-114R2 Hellfire II missiles for the Polish Army. These Hellfire missiles, with an estimated contract value of $150 million, will be integrated into the AW149 helicopters, further bolstering Poland's military capabilities. The contract also includes four M36 Hellfire Captive Air Training Missiles and technical support.

Poland's investment in modernizing its military assets underscores its commitment to national defense and its readiness to meet evolving security challenges. The AW149 helicopters, equipped with Hellfire missiles, will provide the Polish military with advanced and versatile tools to strengthen its operational capabilities.

Relates:

The Netherlands is preparing deployment of Eight F-35 to Poland

Egypt reportedly orders AW149 helicopters instead of NH90

Poland To Cut Caracal Order, Reconsider Black Hawk, AW149

The Netherlands is preparing deployment of Eight F-35 to Poland

The Royal Netherlands Air Force is preparing a deployment of their F-35 fighter jets in support of NATO’s enhanced Air Policing mission in the northeast.  Eight F-35s are going to deploy to Malbork, Poland, to join NATO’s mission bolstering the defensive posture along the eastern flank in February and March 2023. While four of the fifth-generation fighters will be employed in support of policing the skies in the region, the other four aircraft will conduct training and exercise drills with Allies, ready to augment the defensive mission when required. 

In May 2022, the Netherlands completed a two-month F-35 deployment to Bulgaria in May. 

While deployed to Marlbork, the Netherlands form part of the current rotation of three other Allies who operate fighters out of the Baltic region: Poland and France fly F-16 and Rafale fighters out of Siauliai, Lithuania, and Germany launches their Eurofighters out of Ämari, Estonia.

nato

Ukraine Russia War Day 322

Ukrainian troops heading to Oklahoma for Patriot missile training

A hundred Ukrainian soldiers are set to begin training on the Patriot missile system at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, next week, Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder confirmed Tuesday during a press briefing.

The Army selected Fort Sill over training ranges in Europe because the Patriot’s school house, which is normally a two-year training pipeline, is located at the Oklahoma post.

militarytimes 

Poland in talks with allies over Leopard 2 transfers to Ukraine

Polish Prime Ministerhas announced his country is considering to supply an undisclosed number of Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine to support its neighbor’s combat against the Russian invasion. However, the transfer must be part of a larger effort by a group of allies, he said.
“Together with [Polish] president [Andrzej Duda], we are holding talks which would lead towards building a broader coalition of states that could supply such heavy, modern gear” to Ukraine, Morawiecki said on Jan. 7, as reported by local daily Rzeczpospolita. “The talks are ongoing. I spoke about this with [German] chancellor [Olaf] Scholz a few weeks ago in Brussels, and I believe that, in the coming few days, we could know more about this topic.

defensenews

Ukraine denies Russian claim it killed hundreds of soldiers

Key events Ukraine Russia War, day 322

• Russia has claimed its military carried out a deadly “retaliatory strike” on barracks used by Ukrainian soldiers in the Donbas region as Ukraine denied there were any casualties in the attack.
• The Russian defence ministry said missiles hit two temporary bases housing 1,300 Ukrainian troops in Kramatorsk, in the eastern Donetsk region. It said “more than 600 Ukrainian servicemen were killed” as a result of what they called a “retaliatory strike” on Ukrainian soldiers.
• The head of Russia’s mercenary group, Wagner says his fighters have taken control of the town of Soledar in eastern Ukraine.
• The British defence ministry has said Russian troops and Wagner fighters are probably in control of most of Soledar after four days of advances.
• Earlier, some prominent Russian military bloggers urged caution about the situation in Soledar and said intense combat in the town’s centre and its outskirts continued during the night.

Weapons:

• Poland’s President Andrzej Duda has met with some of his ministers, including the prime minister, to discuss security issues amid the war in neighbouring Ukraine, including Kyiv’s request for Western-made heavy battle tanks.
• President Vladimir Putin’s defence minister has pledged to build a deeper arsenal, bolster aviation technology to better evade air defences and improve drone production after a series of battlefield humiliations in Ukraine.
• Ukraine’s foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba says Berlin needs to supply his military with Leopard tanks, during a visit from his German counterpart, Annalena Baerbock, to the war-battered eastern city of Kharkiv.
• The United States will train Ukrainian personnel at a base in the state of Oklahoma on how to use and maintain the advanced Patriot air defence system Washington is giving Kyiv, the Pentagon has confirmed.

Diplomacy:

• German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock visited the northeastern city of Kharkiv and pledged further support for Kyiv, but Ukraine’s top diplomat Dmytro Kuleba said Berlin’s refusal to send his country battle tanks was costing lives.
• Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said his government would purchase a US air defence system to donate to Ukraine.
• President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has invited Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar to visit Ukraine “at a future opportunity”.
• The Ukrainian president has said he had revoked the citizenship of Viktor Medvedchuk, once seen as Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s top ally in Kyiv and accused of high treason. Three other people were also stripped of their citizenship.

aljazeera

Russian Missiles Used Against Ukraine ‘Absolutely Filled’ With US Tech

For months now, Ukraine has faced a barrage of Russian missile and drone attacks, straining its Soviet-era air defenses. But as the U.S. and its allies work to provide Ukraine with upgraded technology to defend against those strikes, an open-source intelligence analysis has found the Russian missiles have plenty of U.S. technology of their own.

In a Jan. 10 briefing, analysts from the Royal Institute of Strategic Studies, detailed how many of Russia’s missiles have American and other Western components, despite export controls in place.

“All of these pieces of equipment were absolutely filled with Western components,” James Byrne, the Director of the Open Source Intelligence and Analysis Research Group at RUSI, said. “For us, it’s very interesting, very surprising. Nearly everything that we found in those systems was manufactured, designed by American companies.”

airandspaceforces

Missiles land in Poland, killing two. Russia denies to be involved

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2. Two people have been killed in Poland after missiles landed near the Ukrainian border, reports say

1. Polish media and the AP news agency said Russian missiles were responsible, but there has been no official confirmation.

1. Russia's defence ministry said the reports amounted to a "deliberate provocation aimed at escalation"

1. The US and other international powers said they were investigating what had happened

1. Poland’s Bureau of National Security is meeting in an emergency session and is due to give a statement

1. Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg have spoken to Polish President Andrzej Duda about the explosion.

   "I offered my condolences for the loss of life. Nato is monitoring the situation and Allies are closely consulting. Important that all facts are established," he said.

2. US President Joe Biden has been briefed on the reports coming out of Poland and is speaking to Polish President Andrzej Duda, officials say.

   US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke to his Polish counterpart Jacek Siewiera earlier.

3. In the last few hours images have been circulating on social media, reportedly showing missile fragments from the scene of the attack in Poland.

   Defence experts about from think tank CSIS, believes it may be from an S-300 system. This type of missile is typically used for surface-to-air attacks, and has been used by both Russia and Ukraine throughout the war.

4. Joe Biden speaking to Polish president

   US President Joe Biden has been briefed on the reports coming out of Poland and is speaking to Polish President Andrzej Duda, officials say.

   US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke to his Polish counterpart Jacek Siewiera 

   1. US responds with caution to incident in Poland

   The White House, Pentagon and state department all say they cannot confirm what happened and are working with the Polish government to gather more information.

   They’ve also repeated America’s commitment to defend every inch of Nato territory if it comes under attack.

   The state department said that intent would be a factor in determining next steps.

   Kurt Volker, a former US special envoy for Ukraine, also told the BBC it was very important to establish whether any missile strike on Polish territory had been intentional or accidental.

   Nato should demand a clear explanation from Russia, he said, and, if a missile had gone astray, take steps to make sure it wouldn’t happen again.

   There was potential for mistakes on Tuesday, with Ukrainians trying to shoot down a massive barrage of Russian missiles targeting their electricity grids.

5. Polish President speaking to Zelensky

   After his earlier conversation with President Biden, Polish President Duda is now speaking to Ukrainian President Zelensky.

6. bbc

7. Poland 'set to trigger NATO's Article 4'

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9. NATO ambassadors will meet tomorrow at the request of Poland on basis of the alliance's Article 4, two European diplomats.

   According to Article 4 of the alliance's founding treaty, members can raise any issue of concern, especially related to the security of a member country.

   One of the diplomats said NATO would act cautiously and needed time to verify how exactly the incident happened.

10. sky
    

   Where did the 'missile' strike in Poland?

Claims have emerged that a Russian missile struck a Polish village close to the border with Ukraine.

Poland confirmed an "explosion" in Przewodow.

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Biden - Unlikely that missile was fired from Russia

US President Joe Biden, saidt is "unlikely" that the missile responsible for killing two people in Poland was fired from Russia.

'There is "preliminary information that contests" whether the incident in Poland was due to a missile fired from Russia.

"I don't want to say that until we completely investigate, but it's unlikely in the minds of the trajectory that it was fired from Russia, but we'll see."

bbc

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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 

NEWS 2022 March, 15

Spanish Navy acquires 8 MH-60R, 32 Hellfire Missiles

The State Department has made a determination approving a possibl Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Spain of MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters with Support and related equipment for an estimated cost of $950 million. The deal includes; twenty (20) T-700-GE-401C engines (16 installed, 4 spares); thirty-two (32) AGM-114R(N) Hellfire missiles, all up rounds; two (2) Hellfire II Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM); one hundred (100) WGU-59/B Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) II Guidance Sections, all up rounds; and more equipment.

dsca

Turkey’s Future Unmanned Fighter “MIUS” On Final Assembly Line

Baykar revealed the latest photos of MIUS (Muharip Insansiz Ucak Sistemi – Unmanned Combat Aircraft System), Turkey's future unmanned jet aircraft, on the final assembly line.

MIUS could fly combat missions from the Turkish Navy's TCG Anadolu LHD / drone carrier.

Baykar unveiled the MIUS project on June 2021. The announcement came along with several surprising renderings showing the future Turkish TCG Anadolu helicopter landing dock. This was an unexpected development, as Baykar is reportedly working on the TB3 Bayraktar UCAV to be deployed aboard TCG Anadolu, and MIUS will be a second option for aircraft operations.

navalnews 

AUSTRALIA RECEIVED FIRST F-35 DELIVERIES OF 2022, FLEET RISES TO 48

The Royal Australian Air Force has confirmed its receipt of four additional F-35A Lightning II aircraft, taking the total size of the fleet to 48.

The jets, which touched down in RAAF Base Williamtown late last month, travelled from Andersen Air Force Base in Guam following Exercise Cope North 22.

The jets were accepted by No. 77 Squadron of No. 81 Wing

The arrival of the four additional F-35 jets came amid concern over the fleet’s operational capacity.

Budget estimates documents filed by the Department of Defence revealed the expected flying hours of the aircraft have been revised down over the next four years.

Flying hours have been cut by 25 per cent in the 2021-22 financial year (FY22) and are set to be reduced by 17 per cent in FY23, 14 per cent in FY24, and 13 per cent in FY25.

australianaviation

Russian drone ‘entered Poland's airspace’

A Russian drone flew over Poland before entering Ukrainian air space where it was shot down, Ukraine’s military claimed last night.

In a statement the Ukrainian air force command said that the drone flew into Nato airspace, accusing Moscow of a “provocation”.

The drone first circled over the site in Yavoriv, western Ukraine, which was hit by a salvo of cruise missiles on Sunday, in an apparent attempt to assess the result, it said.

It then delved into Poland before returning to Ukrainian air space, where it was shoot down by Ukrainian defenses

thetimes