Poland eyes role in next-generation fighter project

Polish Deputy State Assets Minister Konrad Gołota has said Poland is considering joining the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s domestic defence industry and re-establishing its role in advanced aircraft production.

Speaking to Polish media, Gołota explained that the government is exploring ways to involve Poland’s largely state-controlled defence sector in the trilateral programme led by Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom. The initiative focuses on developing a next-generation combat aircraft and associated technologies.

“Today, we need to make up for some delays in this area, because, over the past decades, we have not produced aircraft in Poland, so our aviation industry requires development,” Gołota said, underlining the strategic motivation behind the potential participation.

He indicated that initial contacts have already taken place with industry representatives from partner countries, suggesting a degree of openness to Poland’s involvement. “Over the past few months, I have spoken to representatives of the defense industries of both Italy and Japan,” Gołota said. “They are showing an understanding of our proposal, and willingness to have further talks.”

However, he did not clarify whether formal intergovernmental negotiations are underway, leaving the current status of Poland’s potential accession to the programme uncertain.

The discussions come at a sensitive moment for GCAP. The programme is currently navigating delays in finalising an agreement between the GCAP International Government Organisation—which represents the partner governments—and the industrial consortium Edgewing. That joint venture brings together key national champions, including Leonardo, BAE Systems, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. Ltd., which is backed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and the Society of Japanese Aerospace Companies.

For Warsaw, potential involvement in GCAP is also linked to broader decisions about the future structure of its air force. Polish authorities are currently assessing options to expand their fighter fleet by two additional squadrons. Among the possibilities under consideration is the purchase of 32 more Lockheed Martin F-35 aircraft, which would double the existing order placed in 2020.

Alternatively, Poland could opt for air superiority platforms such as the Eurofighter Typhoon or Boeing F-15EX, reflecting an ongoing evaluation of operational needs and industrial benefits.

Taken together, Gołota’s comments suggest that Poland is attempting to balance immediate procurement requirements with longer-term industrial ambitions. Joining GCAP would not only provide access to advanced technologies but could also serve as a catalyst for rebuilding national aerospace capabilities after decades of limited domestic production.

By Tamilla Hasanova