Poland receives first F-35A Husarz fighters, advancing Air Force modernisation

Poland has welcomed its first three F-35A Husarz fighter jets on home soil, marking a major milestone in the modernisation of the Polish Air Force and its transition to fifth-generation combat aviation.

The arrival ceremony brought together Polish government and military leaders, U.S. representatives, allied officials and industry partners. Lockheed Martin described the delivery as an important step for both Poland’s national defence and NATO’s security posture in Eastern Europe.

The new F-35 fleet will significantly enhance Poland’s ability to operate alongside allied forces, thanks to advanced sensor fusion and networked combat capabilities. The aircraft are expected to strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defence capabilities along its eastern flank.

Poland joins a growing number of European nations operating the F-35 from domestic bases, reflecting the broader adoption of fifth-generation airpower across the alliance.

The programme also supports European industrial cooperation, with around 25% of the F-35’s production value sourced from European suppliers, including partnerships with Polish industry.

The F-35 programme now includes 20 allied nations and a global fleet of more than 1,330 aircraft, making it one of the most widely adopted advanced fighter platforms in the world.