Breaking News: Poland Achieves Milestone as First Pilot Takes Control of US F-35 Fighter Jet at Fort Smith US Air Base
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According to information from Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, the Deputy Prime Minister of Poland, shared via his official X account on January 31, 2025, a historic moment unfolded when a Polish pilot took control of the F-35 Lightning II for the first time at the U.S. Air Force base in Fort Smith, Arkansas. This marks a pivotal step forward for the Polish Air Force as the country modernizes its military capabilities. The flight symbolizes Poland’s ongoing efforts to bolster its defense posture amid increasing security concerns in the region, particularly with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and growing tensions with Russia.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
On December 23, 2024, the U.S. Air Force’s 33rd Fighter Wing and Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, Arkansas, welcomed the arrival of the first two Polish Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)
Poland signed a contract with the U.S. government in January 2020 for the acquisition of 32 F-35A fighter jets, with deliveries scheduled to run from 2024 to 2030. This acquisition is part of Poland’s broader strategy to phase out its aging fleet of Warsaw Pact-era MiG-29 ‘Fulcrum’ fighters, which have been in service since the 1980s. The decision to purchase the F-35A, a fifth-generation fighter aircraft renowned for its stealth, advanced avionics, and multi-role capabilities, marks a major upgrade for Poland’s Air Force and enhances its ability to conduct sophisticated air operations, from air superiority to precision strike and intelligence-gathering missions.
As Poland moves forward with integrating the F-35A into its fleet, the Ministry of National Defence (MND) recently announced that the aircraft will carry the name “Husarz,” which translates to “Hussar” in English. This name pays homage to Poland’s historic and highly decorated cavalry units. Additionally, the Polish F-35As will sport low-visibility greyed-out checkerboard markings instead of the traditional red-and-white checkerboard insignia. This change is significant, as it is designed to preserve the aircraft’s low observability characteristics, ensuring it remains as undetectable as possible to enemy radar and surveillance systems. This marks a first for the Polish Armed Forces, reflecting Poland’s commitment to maximizing the operational effectiveness of its new fleet of stealth aircraft.
The Polish Air Force currently operates a mix of Soviet-era and NATO-standard aircraft, including around 29 MiG-29s, which are primarily used for air policing and air superiority, as well as about 12 Su-22 fighter-bombers. These older jets have undergone several upgrades, but their capabilities are increasingly seen as inadequate in comparison to the more modern F-35. In addition to the MiG-29s and Su-22s, Poland operates a fleet of 48 F-16 Fighting Falcons, which were acquired between 2006 and 2008. While the F-16s are much more modern than the MiG-29 and Su-22, they still represent a generation behind the advanced F-35, particularly when it comes to stealth capabilities and advanced sensor fusion.
The acquisition of the F-35A will significantly enhance Poland’s air defense capabilities and provide the country with a key tool for modern warfare. With its fifth-generation technologies, including stealth, sensor fusion, and advanced avionics, the F-35 is poised to play a central role in Poland’s defense strategy. The new aircraft will not only strengthen Poland’s air superiority but also enhance its ability to integrate with NATO forces, particularly the United States and other European allies who are already operating the F-35.
The first flight of a Polish pilot in the F-35 represents more than just a technical milestone. It signifies Poland’s commitment to modernizing its military and ensuring it is equipped to face future threats. As the country prepares for the full delivery of its 32 F-35s, the Polish Air Force will undergo extensive training, with pilots and maintenance crews receiving specialized instruction in the United States. Furthermore, Poland is expected to establish domestic maintenance and support infrastructure to sustain the F-35 fleet for years to come.
The integration of the F-35 into Poland’s Air Force comes at a crucial time for the country. With ongoing instability in Europe, particularly with the war in Ukraine, Poland is taking steps to ensure its defense capabilities are on par with NATO’s most advanced militaries. The F-35 will be a critical asset for the Polish military, providing not only an enhanced ability to deter adversaries but also a force multiplier that will contribute to NATO’s collective defense strategy.
The historic first flight of a Polish pilot in the F-35 underscores the growing significance of the aircraft to Poland’s national security and its role within NATO. The ongoing modernization of Poland’s Air Force, coupled with the strategic acquisition of the F-35, demonstrates the country’s determination to enhance its defense capabilities and ensure it remains an integral part of NATO’s eastern defenses. The arrival of the F-35s in Poland’s fleet will be a game-changer, not just for the Polish Air Force, but for the entire NATO alliance.
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According to information from Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, the Deputy Prime Minister of Poland, shared via his official X account on January 31, 2025, a historic moment unfolded when a Polish pilot took control of the F-35 Lightning II for the first time at the U.S. Air Force base in Fort Smith, Arkansas. This marks a pivotal step forward for the Polish Air Force as the country modernizes its military capabilities. The flight symbolizes Poland’s ongoing efforts to bolster its defense posture amid increasing security concerns in the region, particularly with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and growing tensions with Russia.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
On December 23, 2024, the U.S. Air Force’s 33rd Fighter Wing and Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, Arkansas, welcomed the arrival of the first two Polish Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)
Poland signed a contract with the U.S. government in January 2020 for the acquisition of 32 F-35A fighter jets, with deliveries scheduled to run from 2024 to 2030. This acquisition is part of Poland’s broader strategy to phase out its aging fleet of Warsaw Pact-era MiG-29 ‘Fulcrum’ fighters, which have been in service since the 1980s. The decision to purchase the F-35A, a fifth-generation fighter aircraft renowned for its stealth, advanced avionics, and multi-role capabilities, marks a major upgrade for Poland’s Air Force and enhances its ability to conduct sophisticated air operations, from air superiority to precision strike and intelligence-gathering missions.
As Poland moves forward with integrating the F-35A into its fleet, the Ministry of National Defence (MND) recently announced that the aircraft will carry the name “Husarz,” which translates to “Hussar” in English. This name pays homage to Poland’s historic and highly decorated cavalry units. Additionally, the Polish F-35As will sport low-visibility greyed-out checkerboard markings instead of the traditional red-and-white checkerboard insignia. This change is significant, as it is designed to preserve the aircraft’s low observability characteristics, ensuring it remains as undetectable as possible to enemy radar and surveillance systems. This marks a first for the Polish Armed Forces, reflecting Poland’s commitment to maximizing the operational effectiveness of its new fleet of stealth aircraft.
The Polish Air Force currently operates a mix of Soviet-era and NATO-standard aircraft, including around 29 MiG-29s, which are primarily used for air policing and air superiority, as well as about 12 Su-22 fighter-bombers. These older jets have undergone several upgrades, but their capabilities are increasingly seen as inadequate in comparison to the more modern F-35. In addition to the MiG-29s and Su-22s, Poland operates a fleet of 48 F-16 Fighting Falcons, which were acquired between 2006 and 2008. While the F-16s are much more modern than the MiG-29 and Su-22, they still represent a generation behind the advanced F-35, particularly when it comes to stealth capabilities and advanced sensor fusion.
The acquisition of the F-35A will significantly enhance Poland’s air defense capabilities and provide the country with a key tool for modern warfare. With its fifth-generation technologies, including stealth, sensor fusion, and advanced avionics, the F-35 is poised to play a central role in Poland’s defense strategy. The new aircraft will not only strengthen Poland’s air superiority but also enhance its ability to integrate with NATO forces, particularly the United States and other European allies who are already operating the F-35.
The first flight of a Polish pilot in the F-35 represents more than just a technical milestone. It signifies Poland’s commitment to modernizing its military and ensuring it is equipped to face future threats. As the country prepares for the full delivery of its 32 F-35s, the Polish Air Force will undergo extensive training, with pilots and maintenance crews receiving specialized instruction in the United States. Furthermore, Poland is expected to establish domestic maintenance and support infrastructure to sustain the F-35 fleet for years to come.
The integration of the F-35 into Poland’s Air Force comes at a crucial time for the country. With ongoing instability in Europe, particularly with the war in Ukraine, Poland is taking steps to ensure its defense capabilities are on par with NATO’s most advanced militaries. The F-35 will be a critical asset for the Polish military, providing not only an enhanced ability to deter adversaries but also a force multiplier that will contribute to NATO’s collective defense strategy.
The historic first flight of a Polish pilot in the F-35 underscores the growing significance of the aircraft to Poland’s national security and its role within NATO. The ongoing modernization of Poland’s Air Force, coupled with the strategic acquisition of the F-35, demonstrates the country’s determination to enhance its defense capabilities and ensure it remains an integral part of NATO’s eastern defenses. The arrival of the F-35s in Poland’s fleet will be a game-changer, not just for the Polish Air Force, but for the entire NATO alliance.
