Polish Air Force begins training with new fleet of Lockheed Martin F-35A jets

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Polish Air Force begins training with new fleet of Lockheed Martin F-35A jets

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By Sky Industry News

Dec 5, 2024

The first two of 32 Lockheed Martin F-35A "Husarz" fighter jets for the Polish Air Force took flight from the Lockheed Martin factory on December 2nd and 3rd. These aircraft are intended to train Polish pilots and maintainers, with initial training set to occur at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas before they head to Poland.

The test flights mark a significant milestone for the Polish Air Force. After factory testing and certification, Poland will receive fully capable F-35As to prepare its personnel for operational use.

Ebbing ANGB is expected to commence initial training by the end of December as it assumes responsibility for Foreign Military Sales (FMS) training of F-35s. According to Polish sources PolskieRadio and TVN24, two F-35s will arrive at Ebbing ANGB by the end of December, with six more expected by the end of 2025. The first Polish F-35A base at Lask Air Base is scheduled to be operational in 2026, followed by Swidwin Air Base in 2027. All 32 jets are planned for delivery by 2030.

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The agreement between the United States and Poland, valued at USD 4.6 billion, includes spare engines and training costs. The Polish F-35As will feature Block 4 and Tech Refresh 3 (TR-3) upgrades, enhancing their computing power for future advancements.

Poland has chosen the name "Husarz" for its F-35As, meaning "winged cavalry," instead of using the official name Lightning II or the informal Panther used by US pilots. This reflects the aircraft's role as an intelligence-gathering platform with advanced radar and electro-optical targeting systems.

The transition from Soviet-era fighter jets like the MiG-29 Fulcrum and Su-22 Fitter represents a significant upgrade for Poland's air force capabilities. As Deputy Minister Cezary Tomczyk stated during an unveiling event on August 28th: "We are very proud that Poland and the Polish Armed Forces become part of the elite and are joining to the great F-35 family. ... F-35 is the best fighter plane in the world, and it is what we truly need."