For US$1.85 billion, the U.S. authorizes the sale of a logistics package for the Polish Air Force’s fleet of 32 F-35A stealth fighters

As the Polish Air Force moves forward with the incorporation of its new F-35A “Husarz” stealth fighters, the U.S. government has authorized the possible sale of a significant support and logistics package for Poland’s future fifth-generation aircraft fleet. This was revealed in one of the most recent notifications submitted by the State Department to the U.S. Congress, in order to authorize the operation valued at US$1.85 billion through the FMS program.

Since the signing of the Letter of Offer and Acceptance on January 31, 2020, the Polish government and Air Force, together with Lockheed Martin as the main supplier and with U.S. approval, have been progressing in the process of incorporating a fleet of 32 F-35A fighters. With the acquisition of the “Husarz” – the local designation for the Lightning II – the European country is finally replacing its current MiG-29 and Sukhoi Su-22 combat aircraft, which have reached the end of their service life guarding Polish airspace.

Among the latest developments in the incorporation process, preceded by progress in the production of the stealth aircraft and the official presentation of the first unit in 2024, one milestone stands out: the first flight of a Polish pilot in an F-35, which took place last February at Eglin Air Force Base, where Polish Air Force personnel are training on the new platform.

Returning to the report issued by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on August 27, the Polish government requested from the U.S. the provision of a support and logistics package for the new F-35 fleet. Valued at US$1.85 billion, it includes the sale of components, spare and replacement parts, aircraft software updates, and manufacturer support.

Regarding the operation, the State Department stated: “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO ally that is a force for political and economic stability in Europe.”

It further added: “The proposed sale will improve Poland’s capability to meet current and future threats by increasing the reliability of its F-35 fleet. Poland will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its Armed Forces.”

Finally, while pilot, support, and technical personnel training continues in the United States, the first F-35As are expected to arrive in Poland in 2026, presumably at Łask Air Base. This will mark the next step in the delivery schedule, which will extend until 2030, when the last of the 32 stealth fighters is incorporated into the Polish Air Force.

Photographs used for illustrative purposes only.

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