First 'Husarz' takes to the air
On 2 December 2024, Sily Powietrzne RP (Polish Air Force) F-35A Lightning II 3502 (c/n AZ-02) succesfully made its first flight from Lockheed's F-35 production facility at NAS Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth (TX).
Poland is acquiring 32 F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft under a contract signed in early 2020, valued at USD 4.6 billion. The deal includes a full mission trainer, pilot training, logistics, support, and a comprehensive range of equipment to support the aircraft. The first F-35A 'Husarz', serial number 3501, was officially unveiled during a rollout ceremony at Fort Worth on 28 August 2024.
Initial deliveries of the F-35s will be directed to Ebbing Air National Guard Base (AR), where Poland will become the first international customer to conduct F-35 pilot training with the 57th Fighter Squadron Black Knights, part of the 33rd Fighter Wing.
The first operational F-35A squadron in Poland is expected to be ready by 2026, with a second squadron projected to achieve operational status by 2030.
Credit photo: Tori Mae Fontana (@LensOfMae)