F-35A Lightning II Poland: A Historic First Flight
In a historic milestone, a Polish fighter pilot has successfully flown an F-35A Lightning II for the first time at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, Arkansas. This significant flight marks the beginning of F-35 pilot training, which commenced under the guidance of the U.S. 33rd Fighter Wing in October of last year. Following this, a series of aircraft deliveries took place in December, paving the way for this momentous event.
Colonel Dave Skalicky, commander of the 33rd Fighter Wing, emphasized the importance of this achievement, stating, “In this era of strategic competition, we’re committed to equipping our allies with the capabilities they need while also fostering greater interoperability.” He noted that witnessing the first F-35 flights conducted by Polish pilots in Fort Smith is both a powerful and rewarding experience, highlighting the teamwork that made this possible.
Poland’s Acquisition of F-35s
In 2019, Poland made a significant move by requesting 32 F-35A aircraft from Lockheed Martin as part of a foreign military sale, with an estimated cost exceeding $6 billion. The initial F-35A aircraft, dubbed “Husarz,” was unveiled in August 2024, establishing Poland as the first operator of the F-35 in Eastern Europe. This acquisition is a crucial step as Poland seeks to enhance its defense capabilities amid growing regional threats.
The training operations for future foreign operators of U.S.-made aircraft are being managed by the 33rd Fighter Wing, with Poland being the inaugural nation to undertake this training at the facility. As Polish Air Force student pilots prepare for graduation in the spring, the first batch of these advanced fifth-generation fighters is set to arrive at the 32nd Tactical Air Base in Łask, central Poland, later this year.
Replacing Aging Aircraft
The arrival of the F-35s in Poland is particularly significant as it will replace the country’s aging fleet of Russian-designed MiG-29 combat aircraft. The Polish Air Force is looking to modernize its capabilities, with the remaining F-35A deliveries scheduled to continue through 2030.
This modernization effort is part of a broader strategy to bolster Poland’s defense posture in an increasingly complex security environment. The introduction of the F-35A Lightning II not only enhances Poland’s military capabilities but also strengthens its integration with NATO forces.
