Lockheed Martin has officially presented Poland’s first F-35A Lightning II to the Polish government during a rollout ceremony at Lockheed Martin’s F-35 production facility. This event marks a significant milestone in the history of the Polish Air Force and further strengthens the alliance between the United States and Poland, a key NATO ally.
“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 fifth-generation fighters across Europe, bolstering air superiority through allied deterrence,” said Major General Ireneusz Nowak, Inspector of Polish Air Force.
As NATO’s aircraft of choice, the F-35 will play a crucial role in extending Poland’s leadership within the alliance, supporting military modernisation, and increasing participation in international missions. Poland’s F-35s, named “Husarz” in honour of a historic cavalry unit, will enhance interoperability and situational awareness across key European partners.
Greg Ulmer, President of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, emphasised the F-35’s importance as a force multiplier in deterring and defeating threats to Poland and its allies. The first of 32 F-35As, designated AZ-01, will be delivered to the Polish Air Force in December and stationed at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Arkansas, where Poland will be the first international customer to conduct F-35 pilot training.
