The jet, the first of 32 ordered by Poland in 2020, was on Wednesday presented at a ceremony in Fort Worth, Texas, where the aircraft is manufactured.
The event was attended by Polish deputy defense ministers Paweł Bejda and Cezary Tomczyk.
On Thursday, Poland’s Minister of Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz will meet with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin in Washington.
Acquiring the new warplane marks a pivotal moment for the Polish air force, as the F-35 is the first multi-role aircraft in its fleet equipped with advanced stealth technology, making it difficult for adversaries to detect.
Poland’s journey to buying the jet began on January 31, 2020, when the Ministry of Defense in Warsaw signed a contract for the delivery of 32 F-35A aircraft.
The deal, valued at $4.6 billion, includes a comprehensive logistics and training package to ensure the Polish air force can fully integrate and operate the new aircraft.
The package covers spare parts, ground handling equipment, pilot gear, a computerized maintenance management system, and an extensive training program for pilots and technical staff.
Training will be conducted primarily in the United States, with 24 pilots and 90 technical personnel receiving hands-on experience with the F-35.
The first six F-35s destined for Poland will remain in the United States until late 2025 or early 2026, where they will be used for training purposes. This approach is consistent with procedures followed by other countries that have purchased the jet.
The aircraft will only be transferred to Poland after sufficient pilots and technicians have been trained and the necessary infrastructure has been established.
Poland’s F-35s are expected to achieve initial operational capability once eight aircraft have been delivered.
The F-35 Lightning II has been described as the pinnacle of modern military aviation. As a multi-role aircraft, it can engage enemy planes, attack ground and sea targets, conduct reconnaissance, and perform electronic warfare.
In a nod to Polish heritage, the new F-35s will bear the name “Husarz,” selected through a social media vote organized by the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces. The name pays tribute to the legendary Polish cavalry, symbolizing strength and resilience.
The aircraft will feature low-visibility checkered insignia in shades of gray to align with stealth capabilities. Usually, the Polish Air Force uses white-and-red checkered insignia.
By acquiring the F-35, Poland joins an elite group of countries equipped with this advanced technology, enhancing its ability to operate alongside NATO allies and reinforcing its position as a key player in European defense.
