The fifth-generation F-35A Husarz fighters of the Polish Air Force have already surpassed 1,000 flight hours, a milestone reached with the aircraft that are currently being used in the United States for the training of Polish pilots and technical personnel. This preparatory phase is essential, as Poland plans to welcome its first Lightning II aircraft at the end of 2026.
The recent news regarding the F-35A Husarz was reported by Polandās Minister of National Defence, WÅadysÅaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, through his social media. The head of the ministry also highlighted that āā¦the production of the aircraft, the training of pilots and crews, and the preparation of the infrastructure at the Åask base, where the first F-35 Husarz aircraft will be stationed at the end of this year, are progressing as plannedā¦ā.
The milestone of 1,000 flight hours comes just days after the Polish Ministry of Defence reported progress in the construction and completion of two new F-35A Husarz aircraft. As part of the final phase of the manufacturing process, F-35s 3509 (AZ-09) and 3510 (AZ-10) were to pass through the paint shop in order to receive the Polish Air Force scheme and colors.
The ministry also detailed that the first eight F-35A Lightning II aircraft will be used to train Polish pilots in the United States. āā¦The Husarz numbered 3501 to 3508 will remain abroad until approximately the third quarter of 2027. Aircraft numbered from 3509 onward will be delivered directly to Poland. The first delivery of aircraft is scheduled for the end of this yearā¦ā, the Ministry confirmed.
Modernization process
The incorporation of the fifth-generation F-35A Husarz fighters takes place within the framework of a contract signed in 2020, an agreement whose objective was the purchase of 32 Lightning II aircraft along with all their associated systems and services. The production of the F-35s destined for Poland would begin three years later, with the aircraft being based in the United States for the purpose of training crews and technical personnel.
The arrival of the Husarz also entailed a considerable investment in the modernization of Polish infrastructure: the first F-35A aircraft are scheduled to be delivered to the 32nd Tactical Air Base at Åask, where the construction of a new area for the operation of fifth-generation fighters has been completed.
Once incorporated, the F-35A Husarz will go on to complement the fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcons and the FA-50 light fighters, the latter also in the process of being incorporated.
*Illustrative cover image. Credits: Ministry of Defence of Poland.
*Translated by Constanza Matteo
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