A Polish pilot has completed the first test run of an F-35 Husarz fighter jet, one of 32 such aircraft purchased from the United States, Polish Ministry of Defense reported.
The flight took place at a base in Fort Smith, Arkansas, where Polish pilots are undergoing training.
“This landmark opens a new chapter in the process of modernization of the Polish Air Force,” Poland’s defense ministry wrote on the X social media platform on Friday.
Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz described the event as "historic" for Poland and a significant milestone for its military aviation.
“Congratulations to the entire team implementing these state-of-the-art fifth-generation Husarz aircraft. We are proud of you!” he wrote on X.
The Polish Air Force is set to receive 32 of these aircraft starting in early 2026, which will operate alongside the country’s existing fleet of F-16 fighter jets.
Poland’s F-35 purchase includes a logistics and training package, covering spare parts, maintenance equipment, pilot gear, and a computer-based operational management system.
“This landmark opens a new chapter in the process of modernization of the Polish Air Force,” Poland’s defense ministry wrote on the X social media platform on Friday.
Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz described the event as "historic" for Poland and a significant milestone for its military aviation.
“Congratulations to the entire team implementing these state-of-the-art fifth-generation Husarz aircraft. We are proud of you!” he wrote on X.
The F-35 will be Poland’s first multi-role fighter designed to be difficult for enemy radar to detect.Najnowsza informacja z amerykańskiej bazy lotniczej w Fort Smith.
— Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz (@KosiniakKamysz) January 31, 2025
Polski pilot po raz pierwszy za sterami naszego #F35! To historyczny moment dla 🇵🇱 i niezwykle ważny moment rozwoju naszych Sił Powietrznych. Gratulacje dla całego zespołu wdrażającego te nowoczesne samoloty V… pic.twitter.com/KHliuJIZ4n
The Polish Air Force is set to receive 32 of these aircraft starting in early 2026, which will operate alongside the country’s existing fleet of F-16 fighter jets.
Poland’s F-35 purchase includes a logistics and training package, covering spare parts, maintenance equipment, pilot gear, and a computer-based operational management system.
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