Poland has received the first three F-35A Lightning II fighter jets that will be operated on its territory, marking a major step forward in the modernization program of the Polish Air Force.
The aircraft, known in the country as the F-35PL Husarz, arrived at the 32nd Tactical Air Base in Łask, central Poland, on May 22, 2026. The jets are part of a total batch of 32 aircraft ordered by Poland from Lockheed Martin. The arrival was confirmed by specialized outlets and Polish media.
The three fighters delivered to the country are identified by serial numbers 3509, 3510 and 3511. They departed from Lockheed Martin’s production facility in Fort Worth, Texas, and flew to Poland with a stopover in the Azores, supported by a U.S. Air Force KC-46A Pegasus tanker aircraft.
In a statement, Poland’s Ministry of National Defence highlighted that the arrival of the F-35PL represents the country’s entry into the group of nations operating fifth-generation fighter jets. According to the ministry, the aircraft’s low-observability capabilities are considered a relevant element for missions in advanced air defense scenarios.
+ Video shows the arrival of the F-35A Husarz fighters in Poland
Before arriving in Łask, the first Polish F-35As had been sent to Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas, where they have been used to train pilots and maintenance crews. With the start of deliveries on Polish territory, the program will continue with additional aircraft in the coming years.
In the Polish Air Force, the F-35A is expected to gradually replace the remaining older MiG-29 fighters of Soviet origin still in the fleet. The modernization also includes the purchase of weapons compatible with the new aircraft, including short- and medium-range air-to-air missiles, as well as long-range air-to-ground systems.
Among the weapons associated with the program are the AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder, AIM-120D-3 AMRAAM, AGM-158B-2 JASSM-ER and AGM-88G AARGM-ER. The combination reinforces Poland’s intention to expand its air defense, deterrence and integration capabilities with NATO allies.
The arrival of the first F-35As in Łask comes at a time of strong Polish investment in defense, amid the reorganization of European security following the war in Ukraine and the increased military presence of NATO on the alliance’s eastern flank.
Source and image: Polish Ministry of National Defence | Ministerstwo Obrony Narodowej X @KosiniakKamysz. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
