Poland to receive first F-35 fighter jets by end of May

Poland is set to receive its first F-35 fighter jets from the United States by the end of May, marking a key milestone in the modernisation of its air force.

Colonel pilot Krzysztof Duda, commander of the 32nd Tactical Air Base in Łask, confirmed that the facility is fully prepared to receive the aircraft, which will soon enter service.

“This will be a transition to a new technological level,” he said, highlighting the significance of introducing fifth-generation fighter capabilities.

According to Polish media, the Łask base will host the first squadron of 16 F-35 jets, part of Poland’s broader order of 32 aircraft. The fleet will be designated under the name Husarz.

The aircraft are currently in the final stages of preparation in the United States at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas, where Polish pilots and maintenance crews are continuing their training.

Military officials stress that the deployment of the F-35s represents a major step in upgrading Poland’s air capabilities and aligning with advanced NATO standards.

The Łask installation, which belongs to the 2nd Tactical Air Wing, has already been modernised and certified under U.S. standards to support the operation and maintenance of the new aircraft.

By Tamilla Hasanova