Defence chief: Polish army to have planes made in US, South Korea

Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak has said that the army will be equipped with the most modern weapons that ensure the security of the state.

He made the statement at a military festival in honour of the 102nd anniversary of the victory over the Bolsheviks in the Battle of Warsaw, Polish radio reports.

"It is no longer possible to continue using post-Soviet technology. We will withdraw the MiG-29 and Su-22 aircraft in a very short time. In addition to American F-16 and F-35 aircraft, South Korean combat training aircraft will appear in Polish aviation," he said.

The minister said that he was criticised for buying new military equipment for the Polish army. According to him, critics probably "would like me to buy this equipment elsewhere".

"However, I am buying equipment that has been tested in battles, which guarantees the security of Poland," Blaszczak stressed.

He said that the process of strengthening the Polish armed forces is progressing.

"We are developing the Polish Army, creating new units, equipping soldiers with modern equipment, strengthening our armed forces, our aviation," the minister said.

He added that this is especially noticeable at the airbase in Laska, where the military festival was held.

"There will be Polish F-35s here… I am very pleased with the presence of the US Air Force. Our pilots train together with the US military, thus building cooperation, which is a very important element of our security," the Polish defence minister concluded.