Poland suspends F-16 flights after fatal air show crash in Radom

Flights of F-16 fighter jets in Poland have been temporarily suspended following a fatal crash during rehearsals for an air show in Radom. 

The incident, which claimed the life of the pilot, occurred on the evening of August 28.

Marek Pawlak, spokesperson for the Polish Armed Forces High Command, told the PAP news agency that all flights involving F-16s have been halted until further notice. He emphasised, however, that the suspension does not affect operational duties, including missions tasked with protecting Poland’s borders and airspace.

F-16 jets are routinely deployed in pairs to patrol Poland’s borders as part of the country’s air defence system and commitments to allied operations. These aircraft remain on high alert for rapid response to potential threats.

Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz visited the crash site on the evening of August 28 and assured that all circumstances surrounding the tragedy would be thoroughly investigated. He confirmed that a full inspection and investigation would precede any resumption of flights. The minister also announced that this year’s air show in Radom has been cancelled.

The crash follows other recent fighter jet incidents in Europe. In May, an F/A-18 Hornet went down near Rovaniemi, Finland, though the pilot successfully ejected. In October of last year, a pilot from the Spanish Air Force was killed in a separate F/A-18 Hornet crash.

By Tamilla Hasanova