Poland Expands F-35A Fleet as Two New Jets Enter Flight Tests in the U.S.
Poland’s F-35 program advances as two new Lightning II fighters begin flight testing in the U.S., bringing the total number of completed jets to seven. The milestone marks continued progress toward Warsaw’s goal of fielding 32 fifth-generation aircraft by 2030.
Warsaw — Poland’s fifth-generation airpower program has reached a new milestone. The Ministry of National Defence announced that two additional F-35A Lightning II fighters destined for the Polish Air Force have entered flight testing in the United States, marking continued progress in the country’s ambitious modernization plan.
With these aircraft, seven Polish F-35s have now rolled out of Lockheed Martin’s production line in Fort Worth, Texas. The newly assembled jets are undergoing evaluation flights before entering the “Husarz” squadron — the future backbone of Poland’s fifth-generation fighter fleet.
Poland’s defense ministry confirmed that both pilot and maintenance crew training programs are advancing as scheduled at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona and Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas. The U.S. training infrastructure allows Polish personnel to gain hands-on experience with the aircraft before domestic deployment begins.
Under the historic 2020 agreement with the United States, Poland is set to receive 32 F-35A Conventional Take-Off and Landing (CTOL) variants by 2030. The program represents the most advanced procurement in the Polish Armed Forces’ history, reflecting Warsaw’s intent to field a modern, interoperable air defense force aligned with NATO standards.
Analysts note that the pace of production and training signals a strong commitment by both Poland and the United States to maintain delivery timelines despite broader European security pressures. The F-35A’s integration will ultimately replace Poland’s aging MiG-29 and Su-22 fleets, giving the country a decisive technological edge across intelligence, surveillance, and strike missions.
Beyond its operational impact, the “Husarz” designation — a tribute to Poland’s legendary 17th-century winged cavalry — symbolizes the country’s drive to reclaim strategic air dominance in the region. With the latest test flights underway, Poland edges closer to achieving full fifth-generation capability by the end of the decade.
