At the end of last January, new images were released of the first flight of an F-35A fighter jet piloted by a Polish Air Force pilot in the U.S., where a group of future aviators from the European country is training in the operation of the aircraft and exchanging knowledge with their allies as part of the stealth fighter pilot training plan for the Foreign Military Sales program. This marks an important milestone for the personnel who arrived at Eglin Air Force Base in October 2024 and have since been trained by pilots from the USAF’s 33rd Fighter Wing.
Regarding this, Colonel Dave Skalicky, who currently serves as the commander of the 33rd Fighter Wing, stated: “In this era of strategic competition, we are committed to equipping our allies with the capabilities they need while also fostering greater interoperability. From last September’s operational debut with the F-35 to the student training currently underway, the Ebbing team is demonstrating its value for allied defense worldwide.”
It is worth noting that the F-35 future pilot training program required a significant amount of prior instruction in classrooms and simulators for the Polish pilots, which took place at the Academic Training Center at the aforementioned Eglin Air Force Base. This is by no means a minor detail, considering that the U.S.-made stealth aircraft does not have two-seat variants (in any of its three versions: A, B, and C) in which both the pilot and instructor can fly together, making a solid training foundation essential before getting into the aircraft. For now, the first Polish pilots are expected to complete their training by the upcoming spring in the U.S.
On another note, recalling some aspects of Poland’s F-35 program, it should be highlighted that a total of 32 aircraft have been purchased in the A variant, which will locally bear the designation “Husarz” in reference to the country’s legendary cavalry unit. This fleet will arrive in Warsaw with a clear objective: to replace the already aging Soviet-era Su-22 and MiG-29 aircraft, representing a significant qualitative leap for the institution.
Finally, it is useful to consider that while waiting to complete its fifth-generation fighter fleet, Poland has embarked on various arms acquisitions to keep them well-equipped. Some illustrative examples include the purchase of more than 200 new AARGM-ER anti-radiation missiles from the U.S. for approximately $750 million, as well as new JASSM-ER cruise missiles, which will also be integrated into its F-16 and FA-50 aircraft.
Cover image: Senior Airman Abigail Duell
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