Rollout first Polish F-35A 'Husarz'
Early 2020, the Polish Ministry of Defence signed a contract for the purchase of 32 F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft for the Sily Powietrzne RP (Polish Air Force) with a total value of USD 4,6 billion. The contract included a full mission trainer, training, logistics, support and a wide range of equipment related to the aircraft.
On 28 August 2024, Lockheed Martin presented Poland’s first F-35A (serial 3501, c/n AZ-01) during a rollout ceremony at its F-35 production facility. The Lightning IIs are named 'Husarz' to pay homage to a cavalry unit from the country’s military past.
The first F-35A is expected to be delivered in December 2024 and will be based at Ebbing ANGB, Arkansas where Poland will be 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 F-35A squadron in Poland would become operational by 2026 followed by the second squadron in 2030.
Deputy Minister of National Defence Cezary Tomczyk said: “Poland is the only country in the world that shares the common borders at the same time with Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. To keep the borders unchanged, we need the best equipment, the best capability and the best friends”.
Credit photo: Lockheed Martin