The first two Polish pilots have successfully completed hands-on training on the fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II fighter jet at Ebbing Air Force Base in the United States. The information was confirmed by the U.S. Air Force’s Air Education and Training Command (AETC).
The program marks a significant step in the modernization of Poland’s military aviation, making the country the first among seven international partners to use Ebbing as a training hub for the F-35. The aircraft are part of a government-to-government agreement signed in 2020 worth $4.6 billion for the acquisition of 32 F-35A fighters configured to the Block 4 standard with Technical Refresh 3 (TR3) systems.
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Phased training: from simulator to real flight
According to Defense Industry Europe, the first two pilots began hands-on training in January 2025 after completing theoretical and simulator training at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. The second group began training in April, when a third Polish pilot conducted his first solo flight in the F-35A.
The program aims to train 24 Polish pilots and 92 technical personnel by 2027, with direct support from the U.S. military. The plan also includes the presence of 8 Polish F-35A Husarz aircraft at the U.S. base, exclusively for training purposes.
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In addition, the Polish pilots selected for the program will receive instructor certifications, enabling them to lead training programs in Poland. An integrated training center equipped with eight full-flight simulators will be used for this purpose, representing the next phase of operational readiness.
Ebbing: the future international F-35 training hub
Ebbing Air Force Base is being transformed into the second international F-35 Lightning II training center by 2030. In addition to Poland, countries such as Finland, Germany, Switzerland, and Singapore will participate in the program, transferring parts of their F-16 fleets from Luke Air Force Base to Ebbing as part of the transition.
The first two Polish F-35A Husarz units arrived at the U.S. base in December 2024.
Allied integration and strategic interoperability
“For Poland, today is about reaching an operational milestone and investing in our shared defense. Studying here in the U.S. builds more than skills; it builds trust, interoperability, and a deep bond with our American counterparts,” said Major General Ireneusz Nowak, Inspector of the Polish Air Force.
The first operational Polish F-35A squadron is expected to be based at the 32nd Tactical Air Base in Lask in early 2026, followed by a second squadron at the 21st Tactical Air Base in Swidwin by 2030.
Source: aetc.af.mil. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
