Radio Poland's Marcin Matuszewski has more in his audio report - available in our player (red button above and on the left).
The aircraft, part of a 32-jet purchase by Poland, was presented on Wednesday during a ceremony at Lockheed Martin's headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas.
The event marks a significant step in the ongoing modernization of the Polish Armed Forces, according to Deputy Minister of National Defense Paweł Bejda. "This is another milestone in the transformation of our military into a modern, well-equipped, and well-trained force," Bejda said. "In collaboration with our allies, this will help ensure the security of our homeland."
"The Polish Air Force is joining an elite group with the acquisition of the F-35s," Bejda added. "These jets, along with our existing F-16s, will bolster our ability to defend Poland’s eastern border and NATO's eastern flank. Our goal is to build a more advanced air fleet capable of meeting new challenges."
The first batch of six F-35s will initially be sent to the Ebbing Air National Guard base in Arkansas, where Polish pilots will undergo training. The jets are expected to arrive in Poland by 2026, with the entire order set for completion by 2030.
This acquisition is part of a larger effort to modernize the Polish military, which also includes the purchase of American-made Patriot missile defense systems and HIMARS rocket artillery—both integral to NATO’s defense strategy. The contract for the 32 F-35 fighters was signed in 2020 by then-Defense Minister Mariusz Błaszczak.
The Polish F-35s will be known as "Husarz," a name chosen through a public competition organized by the General Staff of the Polish Army. The name pays homage to the historic Polish hussars, an elite cavalry force renowned for their winged armor and military prowess during the 16th to 18th centuries.
(jh/mm)
Source: IAR, PAP