US Trains Polish F-35 Pilots to Strengthen NATO Airpower

International F-35 Pilot Training: How the 85th Fighter Group is Shaping Global Airpower

The training of Poland’s first F-35 pilots by the U.S. Air Force’s 85th Fighter Group marks a significant milestone in global defense cooperation. As geopolitical tensions rise and military alliances become more critical, the ability to operate advanced fifth-generation fighter aircraft like the F-35A Lightning II is no longer a luxury, it’s a strategic necessity. This initiative not only enhances Poland’s air capabilities but also strengthens interoperability among NATO allies and other partner nations.

Located at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas, the 85th Fighter Group was reactivated to support Foreign Military Sales (FMS) training operations. Its mission is to provide comprehensive, high-quality training to allied pilots, ensuring that they are mission-ready and capable of integrating seamlessly with U.S. and NATO forces. With countries like Finland, Germany, Switzerland, and Singapore also lined up for training, the program is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of international air defense collaboration.

Reactivation and Strategic Role of the 85th Fighter Group

Historical Context and Modern Revival

The 85th Fighter Group has a storied history dating back to its original activation in 1942. Initially formed as the 85th Bombardment Group (Light), it played a vital role in World War II training operations. After being deactivated post-war, the unit remained dormant until its strategic reactivation in 2023 under the 33rd Fighter Wing. This revival was driven by the increasing need for advanced fighter training in a world shifting toward fifth-generation air power.

The group’s reactivation is not merely symbolic, it reflects a broader shift in U.S. defense priorities. As the F-35 becomes the centerpiece of many allied air forces, the demand for skilled pilots capable of operating such complex aircraft has surged. By centralizing FMS training at Ebbing ANGB, the U.S. Air Force is responding to this demand with focused, scalable infrastructure.

According to Col. Nicholas Ihde, commander of the 85th Fighter Group, the activation allows the U.S. to “begin the build-up to full-time F-35 foreign military sales training operations,” laying the groundwork for enduring partnerships and enhanced global security.

“The relationships built amongst these countries will benefit global security for decades to come,” Col. Nicholas Ihde, 85th Fighter Group Commander

Infrastructure and Capacity Expansion

The choice of Ebbing ANGB as the primary training site was strategic. Previously, training was concentrated at Luke AFB and Hill AFB, but capacity and environmental constraints limited expansion. Ebbing offers the space and resources to accommodate a growing number of aircraft and students, with plans to house up to 36 F-35s.

Congress has backed this initiative with significant financial support. In November 2024, the Department of the Air Force selected Ebbing ANGB to host 12 additional F-35s, bringing the total to 36. These funds are being used to construct state-of-the-art training facilities, maintenance hangars, and mission planning centers.

By 2030, the total investment is projected to reach $1.2 billion, transforming Ebbing into a global hub for fifth-generation fighter training. This not only benefits military readiness but also stimulates local economies and strengthens civil-military relations.

Poland’s F-35 Program and Allied Integration

Strategic Procurement and Training Pipeline

Poland’s acquisition of 32 F-35A Block 4 aircraft in 2020, valued at $4.6 billion, represents the country’s largest defense procurement to date. Each aircraft, priced at approximately $87.3 million, comes equipped with advanced sensors, stealth capabilities, and networked warfare systems. This move aligns with Poland’s broader effort to modernize its air force and replace aging Soviet-era jets.

The training program for Polish pilots begins at Eglin AFB, Florida, where students undergo rigorous academic and simulator training. Using Full Mission Simulators and Mission Rehearsal Trainers, pilots learn essential skills like aerial refueling and emergency procedures before transitioning to live flight training at Ebbing ANGB.

In January 2025, Polish pilots began live flight operations at Ebbing, marking a significant milestone. A Polish student pilot emphasized that training in the U.S. builds more than just skills, it fosters trust and interoperability with American counterparts.

“Training here in the U.S. builds more than skills; it builds trust, interoperability, and a deep bond with our American counterparts,” Polish student pilot

Operational Milestones and Future Cohorts

The first Polish F-35A Lightning II flight was executed at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Arkansas, on January 31, 2025. This marked a historic milestone for the 33rd Fighter Wing and the Foreign Military Sales program. According to Col. Ihde, the plan is to graduate six Polish pilots by the end of the year, with more cohorts already in progress.

Looking ahead, the training program will expand to include pilots from Finland, Germany, Switzerland, and Singapore. The Singaporean Air Force, for instance, is relocating both its F-35 and F-16 training programs from Luke AFB to Ebbing, further consolidating international training efforts.

These developments underscore the F-35’s role as a unifying platform for allied air forces. As more nations integrate the aircraft into their fleets, shared training ensures operational consistency and mutual support in joint missions.

Global Security Implications and Technological Innovation

Enhancing NATO Interoperability

The integration of F-35s into allied air forces enhances NATO’s collective deterrence capabilities. As of 2025, over 416 F-35s are operational across NATO member states. These aircraft act as force multipliers, enabling seamless communication and coordinated action during multinational operations.

The 85th Fighter Group’s training program directly supports NATO’s Connected Forces Initiative, which emphasizes multinational training and technological integration. By standardizing pilot training across partner nations, the program ensures that allied forces can operate cohesively in high-stakes environments.

This approach is particularly relevant in the context of strategic competition and emerging threats. Whether in Europe, the Indo-Pacific, or the Middle East, interoperability is key to maintaining a credible deterrent posture.

Simulation and Cost-Effective Training

Advanced simulation technologies play a critical role in the training pipeline. The Joint Simulation Environment (JSE) at Patuxent River, Maryland, allows pilots to engage in complex scenarios without the cost or risk of live flights. This capability is especially valuable given the high operational costs of the F-35.

Brig. Gen. Todd Canterbury, director of the Air Force’s F-35 Integration Office, noted that simulation provides “huge dividends” by reducing fuel and maintenance expenses while maximizing training effectiveness. Pilots can rehearse missions against realistic threat models, enhancing their readiness for real-world operations.

These innovations ensure that allied pilots receive cutting-edge instruction even amid budgetary constraints. As simulation technology continues to evolve, it will remain a cornerstone of international pilot training.

Conclusion

The 85th Fighter Group’s training of Poland’s first F-35 pilots’s a’s a’s a’s a blueprint for future international cooperation. By combining historical legacy, strategic foresight, and technological innovation, the program sets a new standard for allied airpower integration.

As more nations join the training pipeline and Ebbing ANGB expands its capabilities, the ripple effects will be felt across NATO and beyond. In an era defined by uncertainty, initiatives like this provide a stable foundation for collective security and shared prosperity.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the 85th Fighter Group?
The 85th Fighter Group trains foreign pilots on the F-35A Lightning II as part of the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program.

Which nations are participating in the program?
Current and upcoming participants include Poland, Finland, Germany, Switzerland, and Singapore.

Where does the training take place?
Training begins at Eglin AFB in Florida and concludes with live flight operations at Ebbing ANGB in Arkansas.

Sources: The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Military Leak, Air & Space Forces Magazine