UMVA has learned that Poland is on the cusp of receiving its first F-35 fighter jets, with delivery expected to happen "very, very soon", according to Polish Deputy Defense Minister Paweł Zalewski.
The F-35s, part of Poland's $4.6 billion purchase of 32 jets from Lockheed Martin, will significantly bolster the country's military capabilities, particularly in the face of growing threats from Russia. The partnership between Poland and the United States on this project reflects the unusually close military relationship between Warsaw and Washington.
At a key NATO air base near the alliance's eastern flank, Polish and American personnel are training, operating, and in some cases, stationing together, showcasing the deepening cooperation between the two militaries. Lt. Col. Pete Nanoslawski, commander of the 52nd Operations Group Detachment 1 of the U.S. Air Force, praised Poland's military modernization efforts and the close relationship between the two countries.
The integration of the F-35 into Poland's air force fleet marks a new phase in this partnership, with years of training, infrastructure upgrades, and coordination with the United States underway. The training process for F-35 pilots is not only long but also expensive, with estimates suggesting it costs around $55 million per pilot.
The base itself has undergone extensive modernization to prepare for the aircraft, including new operational infrastructure, maintenance systems, and classified facilities required under American certification standards. Polish commanders have expressed their enthusiasm for the partnership, with Col. pilot Krzysztof Duda describing the relationship with the U.S. as a "marriage" that is unlikely to end.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Polish Deputy Defense Minister Paweł Zalewski confirmed that the first F-35 arrival is expected soon, highlighting the significance of the F-35's capabilities in providing air domination. The F-35's advanced features will offer Poland a crucial advantage on the battlefield, particularly in the face of growing threats from Russia.
For many Polish officers, the threat from Moscow is deeply personal, with memories of Soviet domination still fresh. Lt. Col. "Shooter," a Polish F-16 pilot, emphasized the importance of deterrence in the face of Russian aggression, citing the country's actions in Chechnya, Georgia, Crimea, and Ukraine.
The U.S. Air Force has been working closely with Poland to integrate the F-35 into its air force fleet, with Polish pilots beginning training in the United States in 2024. Lockheed Martin has confirmed that preparations are continuing for Poland's first in-country F-35 arrival celebration, which is expected to take place in June.
