Polish Air Force pulls Soviet-era fighter-bombers from fleet

The Polish Air Force has officially withdrawn its Soviet-era Su-22 fighter-bombers from service, TMZ reports.

According to the outlet, Poland’s military had operated 20 two-seat Su-22UM3K and 90 single-seat Su-22M4 aircraft.

“At one time, the Su-22 formed the backbone of offensive aviation for Warsaw Pact countries on the continent, and the last units were operated by the Polish Air Force, which flew these remarkable jets since the delivery of the first aircraft more than 40 years ago,” the report notes.

After the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact and Poland’s accession to NATO, the country modernised its fleet of Su-22s. However, over time the authorities began replacing them with South Korean FA-50 light attack and trainer aircraft.

On July 22, The Economic Times reported that India also plans to retire its Soviet MiG-21 fighter jets in September. The aircraft, which had been in service for more than 60 years, took part in all of India’s combat operations from 1965 through Operation “Sindoor.”

By Khagan Isayev