First Polish Air Force F-35A Breaks Cover
Lockheed Martin officially unveiled the Polish Air Force’s first F-35A on Wednesday, presenting the aircraft to the Polish government with a ceremony at its Fort Worth production line for the fighter.
Senior officials from the Polish and United States governments and militaries attended the ceremony revealing the first aircraft. This first aircraft, designated AZ-01, will be delivered to the Polish Air Force in December and will be based at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Arkansas, where the Polish Air Force will be the first international operator to conduct F-35 pilot training.
“Over more than 100-years of the Polish Air Force, there have been many generations of pilots and aircraft. I am proud to be part of history today, introducing the F-35 as the next generation, which will protect and defend Poland’s future for many years. We are joining a strong coalition of 5th generation fighters across Europe, bolstering air superiority through allied deterrence,” said Major General Ireneusz Nowak, Inspector of Polish Air Force.
The F-35A will be known as the “Husarz” in Polish service, referencing the famed Polish “winged” hussar cavalrymen that served from the 16th to 18th centuries. Alongside the ceremony, Lockheed Martin also released art of a Polish F-35 alongside a hussar reenactor.
“As the NATO aircraft of choice, the F-35 is a powerful force multiplier and critical to deterring and defeating threats for Poland and its allies,” said Greg Ulmer, president, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. “We are honored to strengthen our enduring partnership with Poland through today’s celebration, ensuring Polish national security and long-term capability development for decades to come.”
The Polish government officially placed an order for 32 F-35As in January 2020, with AZ-01 entering production in April 2023. The F-35As will replace the Polish Air Force’s fleets of Soviet-era Su-22 fighter-bombers and MiG-29 fighters, including the MiG-29s donated to Ukraine.