Poland has reached another step in its F-35 program as two additional F-35A Lightning II fighters for the Polish Air Force entered flight testing in the United States, according to the Ministry of National Defence. The update confirms ongoing progress toward Poland’s goal of fielding a fifth-generation combat fleet within NATO’s framework.
The two jets recently conducted test flights over Fort Worth, Texas, as part of preparations for integration into Poland’s “Husarz” squadron. The ministry stated that seven Polish F-35s have now rolled out of Lockheed Martin’s production line, with training and delivery proceeding as planned.
Under the 2020 Foreign Military Sales agreement with the United States, Poland will receive 32 Conventional Take-Off and Landing (CTOL) F-35A aircraft, with deliveries expected to conclude by 2030. The aircraft currently in the U.S. are supporting pilot and maintainer training at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona and Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said the program is “on schedule, with both training and acquisition advancing according to plan.” Polish pilots began operational training flights in the U.S. earlier this year, signaling a transition from acquisition to early operational development.
The Husarz squadron—named after Poland’s historic winged cavalry—will be central to the nation’s airpower modernization effort. The F-35s are expected to replace aging MiG-29 and Su-22 fleets, significantly improving Poland’s capabilities in joint NATO operations.
An Air Force logistics officer familiar with the project said that while the two new jets are undergoing tests, their formal handover will occur “once logistical and basing conditions are fully validated.” The first Polish-operated F-35 squadron is projected to be declared operational in 2026, potentially assuming NATO Quick Reaction Alert duties.
The F-35 program is part of a wider modernization plan that includes investments in air defense, long-range precision weapons, and unmanned systems. The U.S. State Department previously approved a $1.85 billion sustainment and logistics package for Poland’s F-35s to ensure long-term operational readiness.
Once operational, Poland’s F-35 fleet is expected to play a key role in regional defense coordination alongside NATO allies, particularly as northern European members like Finland and Sweden expand integrated air operations.
