Poland is set to receive its first F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft procured from the United States. The initial aircraft was spotted at the assembly facility in the US and is progressing along the production line for the Polish Air Force.
Poland’s journey with the F-35 dates back to 2019, driven by the need to modernize its inventory of aging Soviet aircraft and transition to more advanced platforms. Initially, Poland requested F-35 fighter jets that were not delivered to Turkey.
In May 2019, then-Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak announced Poland’s intention to acquire 32 F-35A aircraft from the US. This request was approved by the US Department of State in September 2019. The agreement was valued at $4.6 billion, with the ordered aircraft expected to be delivered by 2030.
The first F-35 aircraft for Poland was spotted at the assembly facility in the US in early April. The aircraft was lifted from an electronic assembly station where the front and rear fuselage sections were joined, using an overhead crane. It is now entering the final assembly stage, where advanced systems, engines, and control surfaces will be installed.
This F-35 aircraft is being produced for the Polish Air Force, with delivery planned for late 2024. It will initially be stationed at the Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas, where Polish pilots will undergo training.
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