Poland Officially Inducts F-35 Fighters into Its Air Force

Poland has officially integrated the latest multirole fighter jets into its armed forces. The ceremony took place at the 32nd Tactical Air Base in Lask, central Poland, where the first three aircraft arrived last month.

President Karol Nawrocki emphasized that the fifth-generation fighters, named "Husarz", will significantly enhance Poland's operational capabilities. He noted that the F-35s enable long-range precision strikes and improve multi-domain operations, calling the day historic and a testament to the strategic partnership with the United States.

Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that this achievement reflects long-term efforts to strengthen national defense regardless of political changes. He highlighted that the F-35s, together with the AH-64E Apache attack helicopters acquired from the US, will create a powerful deterrent and reinforce NATO's eastern flank.

Currently, Poland has three F-35s in service, with 11 more expected to arrive in the coming months and another 12 next year, bringing the total fleet to 32. Some aircraft are still in the US undergoing operational readiness.

US Deputy Secretary of State Thomas Dinanno, who attended the ceremony, praised Poland as a model ally. He noted that the $4.6 billion contract signed in 2020 demonstrates the strength of the partnership and the commitment to defend every inch of NATO territory.