Full Breakdown
Poland Welcomes First F-35A “Husarz” Stealth Fighters
5/23/2026, 4:37:54 AM
Arrival of the First F-35A Jets
On 22 May 2026 three of the 32 ordered F-35A jets landed at the 32nd Tactical Air Base in Lask after a flight from Fort Worth, Texas, with a stop in the Azores. Designated “Husarz,” the aircraft will be unveiled on 12 June.
Background of the F-35 Procurement
In 2020 Poland signed a $4.6 billion deal with Lockheed Martin for 32 F-35A fighters, covering training, simulators and logistics. The purchase, accelerated after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, continues under Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Poland also ordered 48 FA-50s (12 delivered) and a $3.8 billion F-16 upgrade programme.
Key Personnel and Partnerships
Key figures include Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, Deputy Defence Minister Pawel Zalewski, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Pete Nanoslawski (52nd Operations Group Detachment 1) and base commander Col. Krzysztof Duda. A Lockheed Martin spokesperson also commented.
Timeline of Acquisition and Integration
- 2020: Contract signed for 32 F-35A jets.
- 2024: First Polish pilots begin F-35 training in the United States.
- 22 May 2026: Arrival of the first three jets in Lask.
- 12 June 2026: Official unveiling ceremony.
- End 2026: Expected delivery of 14 jets.
- 2032: Full operational readiness of the entire fleet.
Data and Financial Overview
- 32 F-35A jets ordered; $4.6 billion contract (training, simulators, support).
- Delivered: 3 jets; 14 expected by end-2026; full readiness by 2032.
- Pilot training cost: ? $55 million each.
- Defence budget 4.8 % of GDP (2026); also 48 FA-50s (12 delivered) and $3.8 billion F-16 upgrade.
Strategic Significance for NATO
Poland’s F-35s are the first fifth-generation fighters on NATO’s eastern flank, enhancing deterrence against Russian aggression and improving interoperability with U.S. forces. The aircraft’s advanced sensors and stealth capabilities are intended to strengthen regional air defence and contribute to collective security.
Official Statements
Defence Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz said the jets place Poland in the “top league of global air forces.” Deputy Defence Minister Zalewski said the F-35 offers “very, very important capabilities” and “domination in the air.” Lt. Col. Nanoslawski praised the “incredible support from Polish-provided logistics and infrastructure.” Lockheed Martin said integration “advances regional deterrence, enhances interoperability and strengthens European security.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “These are the first fifth-generation fighters on NATO’s eastern flank,” — Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, Defence Minister
- “We are experiencing incredible support from Polish-provided logistics support and Polish-provided infrastructure,” — Lt. Col. Pete Nanoslawski, U.S. Air Force
- “We speak the same language, only with different accents,” — Col. Krzysztof Duda, Base Commander
- “I can confirm that it will be very, very soon," Zalewski said.” — Pawel Zalewski, Deputy Defence Minister
What’s Next
Poland will hold the formal unveiling on 12 June, followed by additional deliveries that aim to bring the fleet to 14 aircraft by the end of 2026. Ongoing pilot training and infrastructure upgrades will continue toward full operational capability by 2032, reinforcing Poland’s role on NATO’s eastern border.
