Lockheed Martin Expands F-35 Production to Poland, Targeting 13,000 Components Annually

Lockheed Martin is expanding its F-35 global supply chain into Poland, with subsidiary PZL Mielec preparing to manufacture approximately 13,000 electrical and fiber-optic wiring harnesses annually for the fifth-generation fighter aircraft.

The company announced the new production program on October 26, confirming that its facility in southeastern Poland will manufacture 287 different types of wiring harnesses for the F-35 Lightning II. The first deliveries are scheduled for July 2027, with the broader production program planned for 2027–2029.

PZL Mielec will also launch a separate manufacturing program for cockpit structures used in the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, further expanding its role within Lockheed Martin's international aerospace manufacturing network.

The investment is supported by a decision from Poland's Industrial Development Agency (ARP), allowing the company to benefit from income tax exemptions worth up to approximately €3.86 million.

Poland to Manufacture 287 Types of F-35 Components

The new F-35 program will involve the production of 287 types of electrical and fiber-optic wiring harnesses used to transmit power and signals between the aircraft's onboard systems.

These components form part of the fighter's electrical and data-transmission architecture, connecting critical avionics and other onboard equipment.

According to PZL Mielec, planned annual production of approximately 13,000 harnesses will require the assembly of more than 90,000 connectors, alongside thousands of manufacturing, inspection and testing operations.

The program will introduce additional capabilities for high-speed data transmission systems, advanced fiber-optic testing and secure electrical connections.

Because the components are intended for a military aircraft with demanding performance and reliability requirements, manufacturing will be subject to strict quality control, configuration management and traceability standards.

Janusz Zakręcki, President and General Director of PZL Mielec, described the company's entry into the global F-35 program as an important milestone and evidence of Lockheed Martin's continued investment in Poland's aerospace industry.

The company has not disclosed the contract value associated with the new F-35 manufacturing program.

Black Hawk Cockpit Production Also Planned

Alongside the fighter aircraft components, PZL Mielec will prepare to manufacture cockpit structures for the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.

The Polish facility already has extensive experience in helicopter manufacturing through the S-70 Black Hawk program and supplies aerospace components within Lockheed Martin's international production network.

The new programs will require expanded manufacturing infrastructure, additional equipment and further development of technical skills among production and quality assurance personnel.

PZL Mielec confirmed that the investments are expected to create additional jobs, although the number of positions and the total capital expenditure have not been announced.

The company also did not provide a separate delivery schedule for the Black Hawk cockpit structures.

Government Support for Aerospace Manufacturing

Poland's Industrial Development Agency has issued a second investment support decision for PZL Mielec under the Polish Investment Zone framework.

The latest decision provides access to corporate income tax exemptions worth up to approximately €3.86 million, based on the announced ceiling of PLN 17 million.

The incentive is not a direct cash payment and should not be interpreted as the total cost of the manufacturing expansion.

The support is intended to facilitate investment in production equipment, manufacturing infrastructure and industrial capabilities required for the two aerospace programs.

For Poland, the investment represents a further expansion of its domestic aerospace manufacturing base and a deeper industrial role within a major international defense program.

Poland Strengthens Its Role in the F-35 Supply Chain

The manufacturing announcement comes as Poland continues introducing the F-35A into its own air force.

Warsaw ordered 32 F-35A Lightning II aircraft under a contract signed with the United States in 2020, valued at approximately $4.6 billion.

In May 2026, AdriaDefense reported on the arrival of Poland's first F-35A fighters, marking a major milestone in the country's combat aviation modernization program.

Poland's participation in the aircraft's manufacturing supply chain creates an additional industrial dimension to the procurement relationship.

While the aircraft acquisition and PZL Mielec's new component production are separate programs, both strengthen the country's connections with Lockheed Martin and the wider international F-35 ecosystem.

The industrial opportunity extends beyond Poland's own aircraft fleet. F-35 components manufactured in Mielec will support the global aircraft program rather than being limited to Polish military requirements.

As examined in AdriaDefense's analysis of Europe's growing F-35 fleet, the aircraft has become an increasingly important platform across European NATO air forces, creating long-term demand for manufacturing, maintenance and supply-chain capabilities.

New Opportunities for Polish Industrial Suppliers

The expansion could also create opportunities for companies involved in precision manufacturing, electrical systems, fiber-optic technologies, industrial testing and specialized production equipment.

However, PZL Mielec has not announced additional subcontractors or specific supplier contracts linked to the new programs.

The F-35 component project will require investments in manufacturing equipment and technical workforce development before the first deliveries begin in July 2027.

For Lockheed Martin, the expansion provides additional manufacturing capabilities within an established European subsidiary. For Poland, it represents a further step from purchasing advanced military aircraft toward participating directly in their international production network.

Source: PZL Mielec / Lockheed Martin, official announcement, October 26, 2026.

Currency note: The income tax exemption of up to PLN 17 million is approximately €3.86 million at the October 26, 2026 reference exchange rate of 4.4026 PLN per euro.