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Poland Takes Delivery of First F-35s, Boosts NATO Spending

5/23/2026

37 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Poland received three F-35A stealth fighters, named “Husarz,” at Lask air base, beginning its 32-jet order.
Fourteen more jets will arrive by end-2026, with full readiness expected in 2027.
Poland’s defence budget now equals 4.8 % of GDP, the highest NATO share.
The F-35 programme, begun under the Law and Justice government, continues under Prime Minister Donald Tusk, with orders for 48 FA-50 fighters, 12 delivered, and a $3.8 billion F-16 upgrade.

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Story summary

Poland received three F-35A stealth fighters, named “Husarz,” at Lask air base, beginning its 32-jet order.
Fourteen more jets will arrive by end-2026, with full readiness expected in 2027.
Poland’s defence budget now equals 4.8 % of GDP, the highest NATO share.
The F-35 programme, begun under the Law and Justice government, continues under Prime Minister Donald Tusk, with orders for 48 FA-50 fighters, 12 delivered, and a $3.8 billion F-16 upgrade.