On Friday, May 22, 2026, the Polish Air Force officially welcomed its first three F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter jets to home soil. Landing at the 32nd Tactical Air Base in Łask, central Poland, the arrival of these fifth-generation aircraft represents a historic milestone in the nation’s military modernization efforts. Furthermore, it marks the first permanent deployment of fifth-generation fighters on NATO’s eastern flank.

The delivery was publicly celebrated by allied forces, highlighting the strategic importance of the acquisition for regional security. According to an official social media release from NATO Air Command, the deployment significantly bolsters the alliance’s collective defense posture.

“Poland enters a new era of air power. The first F-35A Lightning II aircraft have arrived, marking a major step forward for the Polish Air Force and enhancing readiness and integration with NATO forces,” stated NATO Air Command.

The Arrival of the “Husarz”

The three newly arrived F-35A jets bear the serial numbers 3509, 3510, and 3511, according to the provided research report. In a nod to the nation’s military heritage, the Polish variant of the Lightning II has been officially designated the “Husarz” (Hussar), honoring the renowned Polish winged heavy cavalry units that operated between the 16th and 18th centuries.

The delivery flight was a complex logistical operation. The research report details that the aircraft were flown directly from Lockheed Martin’s production facility in Fort Worth, Texas. The transatlantic journey included a strategic stopover at Lajes Field Air Base in the Azores and was supported by a U.S. Air Force KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling tanker. Upon entering Polish airspace, the advanced stealth fighters were met and escorted to their new home by two Polish Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons.

Infrastructure and the 2020 Procurement Contract

The arrival of the Husarz is the culmination of a $4.6 billion contract signed by the Polish government in January 2020. According to official procurement details, this agreement with the United States and Lockheed Martin covers the purchase of 32 F-35A multirole fighters, alongside pilot training, full mission simulators, and comprehensive logistical support. It stands as the second-largest arms contracts in Poland’s history.

While these three jets are the first to land in Poland, they are not the first to be delivered to the Polish Air-Forces. The research report notes that Poland had already formally taken delivery of eight aircraft (serials 3501 to 3508). Since 2024, these initial jets have been stationed at the Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas, where Polish pilots and ground crews have been undergoing rigorous Training.

To prepare for the domestic arrival of the F-35s, Poland invested heavily in modernizing the 32nd Tactical Air Base in Łask. Upgrades included the construction of new shelters, the implementation of secure data links, and significant enhancements to weapons-storage facilities to accommodate the advanced requirements of fifth-generation stealth fighters.

Strategic Implications for NATO’s Eastern Flank

The permanent basing of F-35As in Poland introduces a profound technological leap for the region. The aircraft’s advanced stealth, sensor fusion, and electronic warfare capabilities allow the Polish Air Force to detect, track, and engage threats at unprecedented ranges. Crucially, this acquisition enables Poland to finalize the phase-out of its aging, Soviet-era MiG-29 and Su-22 fleets, transitioning entirely to NATO-interoperable standards alongside its existing F-16s and recently acquired South Korean FA-50s.

Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense of Poland, emphasized the historic nature of the delivery in an official statement.

“This is a great day for Poland, for the Polish Armed Forces, for the Air Force. The first three F-35s have landed in Poland, in the 32nd Air Base in Łask, which today becomes a home for our F-35 aircraft,” Kosiniak-Kamysz stated. “These are the first 5th-generation fighters on NATO’s eastern flank capable of detecting threats before they themselves are spotted. For Poland, this is not just new equipment, but a step into the elite global league of modern air forces.”

He further noted that the F-35s, alongside Apache helicopters and Abrams tanks, serve as “symbols of transatlantic cooperation, in which Poland plays an absolute leading role.”

AirPro News analysis

At AirPro News, we view the permanent deployment of the F-35A in Poland as a transformative shift in European defense architecture. By positioning fifth-generation sensor nodes directly on NATO’s eastern frontier, the alliance gains a critical advantage in multi-domain surveillance and deep-strike deterrence. The F-35 is not merely a fighter jet; it acts as an airborne command center capable of vacuuming up electronic intelligence and distributing it across allied networks. As Poland phases out its legacy Soviet hardware, its air force is rapidly becoming one of the most technologically advanced and lethal in Europe, fundamentally altering the balance of air power in the region.

Future Timeline and Operational Readiness

With the first aircraft now on Polish soil, the Ministry of National Defense has outlined a clear timeline for integration. According to the provided research report, the newly arrived F-35s are scheduled to be officially unveiled to the public and media on June 12, 2026.

Deliveries will continue at a steady pace. By the end of 2026, a total of 14 F-35s are expected to be stationed at the Łask base. The Polish Air Force targets initial operational readiness (IOC) for its first F-35 squadrons by 2027. The complete delivery of all 32 procured aircraft is scheduled to be finalized between 2029 and 2030.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Polish variant of the F-35 called?

The Polish F-35A has been officially named the “Husarz” (Hussar), paying tribute to the famous Polish winged heavy cavalry units of the 16th to 18th centuries.

How many F-35s is Poland purchasing?

Under a $4.6 billion contract signed in January 2020, Poland is procuring a total of 32 F-35A Lightning II aircraft.

When will the Polish F-35 fleet be fully operational?

The first Polish F-35 squadrons are expected to reach initial operational readiness by 2027, with the delivery of all 32 aircraft scheduled for completion by 2029-2030.

Sources

• NATO Air Command
• Official statements from the Polish Ministry of National Defense

This article is based on an official press release from Saab, supplemented by industry research.

Canada Selects Saab as Preferred Supplier for Future AEW&C Fleet

On May 27, 2026, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced at the CANSEC defense and security trade show that the government has entered into formal negotiations with Swedish aerospace company Saab. According to an official press release from Saab, the company has been selected as the “preferred supplier” for Canada’s future Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) capability program.

The proposed solution centers on Saab’s GlobalEye, an advanced multi-domain surveillance aircraft built on the Canadian-manufactured Bombardier Global 6500 business jet. This decision marks a significant milestone in Canada’s defense procurement strategy, emphasizing domestic economic benefits and diversifying its defense partnerships away from traditional monopolies.

While no final contract has been signed, the selection of Saab over rival bids, including Boeing’s E-7 Wedgetail and the L3Harris/Elta Systems Aeris X, signals a strategic shift for Ottawa. The procurement process will be led by Canada’s Defence Investment Agency (DIA), with industry reports indicating an intended acquisition of approximately half a dozen aircraft.

Strategic Context and Operational Needs

Canada boasts the world’s longest coastline, spanning over 243,000 kilometers, alongside vast and remote Arctic territories. The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) requires robust airborne command, control, and surveillance capabilities to monitor these regions and respond to long-range threats effectively.

The integration of the GlobalEye fleet is expected to significantly enhance Canada’s contributions to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and extend its operational reach for NATO missions. The aircraft features Saab’s Erieye Extended Range radar, which is capable of tracking stealthy threats, drones, ballistic missiles, and hypersonic missiles even in high-clutter and jamming environments.

AirPro News analysis

We note that choosing a European partner over traditional U.S. suppliers like Boeing represents a bold geopolitical statement regarding trade diversity and national sovereignty. By selecting the GlobalEye platform, Canada is demonstrating that its multibillion-dollar defense budget is no longer a guaranteed monopoly for American defense giants, particularly when domestic industrial integration is prioritized. Furthermore, the focus on advanced threat detection aligns directly with Canada’s pressing need to secure its Arctic airspace amid rising global tensions.

Domestic Economic Impact and Partnerships

A major factor in Saab’s selection, as highlighted in the company’s press release and government statements, is the commitment to integrating the Canadian domestic supply chain. The procurement is projected to support 3,000 jobs across the Canadian aerospace and defense sector, ranging from skilled trades to engineering.

During the announcement, Prime Minister Carney stated that no less than one-third of the projected fleet of GlobalEye aircraft will be manufactured in Canada over the next 15 years. This aligns with the government’s “BUILD–PARTNER–BUY” approach, combining advanced defense capabilities with tangible economic benefits for Canadians.

Teaming Agreements with Bombardier and CAE

To deliver the GlobalEye, Saab is partnering heavily with Canadian industry leaders. Bombardier is entering discussions to lead the modification program on its Global 6500 platform and manage Canada’s industrial role in potential future exports.

“The intention to bring GlobalEye modification and integration work to Canada… is a perfect example of a robust and comprehensive Defense Industrial Strategy at work,” stated a Bombardier official following the announcement.

Additionally, Saab has signed a teaming agreement with Canadian simulation and training giant CAE to provide fully integrated flight, mission, and rear crew training solutions to enhance the operational readiness of the Canadian Armed Forces.

“Building on our longstanding collaboration and trust with Saab, this agreement reflects our shared commitment to delivering innovative, integrated solutions,” said Matthew Bromberg, President and CEO of CAE.

The overarching goal of these Partnerships is to ensure sovereign ownership and operational independence for the RCAF.

Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab, summarized the agreement: “GlobalEye offers proven capability for the Royal Canadian Air Force, sovereign ownership for Canada and comprehensive and skilled work for Canadian industry.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Saab GlobalEye?

The GlobalEye is a multi-domain Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft. It combines Saab’s Erieye Extended Range radar with an advanced suite of sensors mounted on a Bombardier Global 6500 business jet.

Has Canada signed a final contract with Saab?

No. Saab has been named the “preferred supplier,” meaning the Canadian government, led by the Defence Investment Agency (DIA), will now enter into detailed discussions and formal negotiations.

How many aircraft is Canada buying?

While the final order is pending negotiations, industry reports indicate that Ottawa intends to acquire approximately half a dozen of these aircraft.

Sources

• Saab Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from Moody Air Force Base.

On May 26, 2026, Moody Air Force Base in Georgia announced a significant tactical upgrade for its A-10C Thunderbolt II fleet. According to an official press release from the base, maintainers have successfully installed and tested the aircraft’s first air refueling probe. This modification transitions the venerable attack aircraft from relying exclusively on traditional “flying boom” refueling systems to utilizing a “probe-and-drogue” method.

We note that this development allows the A-10 to receive fuel from C-130-based tankers, such as the HC-130J Combat King II, at altitudes below 10,000 feet. The integration addresses an urgent combatant command requirement, significantly enhancing the aircraft’s operational flexibility for Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) and Close Air Support (CAS) missions.

Enhancing Tactical Flexibility for the Warthog

Shifting to Probe-and-Drogue Systems

Historically, the A-10 relied on the KC-135 Stratotanker’s flying boom for mid-air refueling. However, as noted in secondary reporting by The Aviationist, the A-10 has not been operationally certified to receive fuel from the newer KC-46 Pegasus tankers. Relying solely on high-altitude boom tankers limited the tactical flexibility of the A-10, forcing pilots to climb away from the battlefield to refuel and temporarily abandon their close air support overwatch.

The new probe-and-drogue system fundamentally changes this dynamic. By enabling refueling below 10,000 feet, A-10 pilots can now stay aligned with low-level CSAR and CAS missions without breaking formation or losing visual contact with the ground. The modification allows the A-10 to be supported by a wider variety of tactical tankers, including the HC-130J, MC-130J Commando II, and KC-130J Super Hercules.

Simultaneous Refueling Capabilities

Beyond altitude flexibility, the probe-and-drogue system introduces a critical efficiency upgrade. According to the provided operational details, the new system allows two A-10s to refuel simultaneously from a single HC-130J. This capability was impossible with the single-boom KC-135 method and drastically cuts down the total refueling time required for a flight of aircraft operating in contested or austere environments.

The Installation and Testing Process

Overcoming Maintenance Hurdles

The installation process at Moody Air Force Base moved rapidly. According to the press release, maintainers received the new probes on May 11, 2026, and began installation on the first of two aircraft on May 13. The collaborative effort involved Moody’s 23d Maintenance Squadron, including fuels craftsman Tech. Sgt. Brent Vargas, and Tech. Sgt. Wesley Zell, a specialized A-10 refueling probe installer brought in from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.

While the installation is designed to take approximately four hours, the maintenance team encountered minor challenges with legacy hardware on the aging airframes.

“There’s been a lot of issues getting these bolts removed so we can put the probe on. These screws and bolts hardly ever come out anyway, so doing this is the time-consuming part of it. Once we get that part up, the install of the probe is very simple,” stated Tech. Sgt. Wesley Zell in the official release.

Successful First Flight

Following the hardware installation, pilots from the 74th Fighter Squadron conducted familiarization flights. On May 19, 2026, an upgraded A-10 successfully completed its first flight from an HC-130J Combat King II assigned to the 71st Rescue Squadron.

“It’s a good capability for us. It’ll give us more options when we’re in future fights and during things as simple as moving across country or transoceanic crossings. It’s another capability that can help us,” noted Capt. Wayman, an A-10 pilot with the 74th Fighter Squadron, in the Moody AFB release.

Broader Military Context

AirPro News analysis

We observe a fascinating paradox in the U.S. Air Force’s current management of the A-10 Thunderbolt II fleet. The integration of this new probe-and-drogue technology comes at a time when the military has publicly stated its goal to fully divest and retire all A-10s by the end of the decade. In fact, according to April 2026 reporting by Air & Space Forces Magazine, the final class of new A-10 pilots has already graduated.

Despite its planned retirement, the “Warthog” continues to receive rapid capability upgrades to maintain its relevance in modern conflicts. Upgraded A-10s deployed to the Middle East in 2026 for Operation Epic Fury have been observed utilizing not only the new refueling probe but also advanced electronic warfare systems like the “Angry Kitten” pod. The rapid development and deployment of the refueling probe, first tested by the Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Command Test Center in early April 2026, demonstrate a clear commitment by the Air Force to maximizing the aircraft’s lethality and survivability until its final day of service.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is the A-10 getting a new refueling probe?

The new probe-and-drogue system was developed in response to an urgent combatant command requirement. It allows the A-10 to refuel at lower altitudes (below 10,000 feet), enabling pilots to stay closer to the battlefield during Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) and Close Air Support (CAS) missions.

What tankers can the A-10 refuel from now?

With the new probe, the A-10 can receive fuel from C-130-based tactical tankers, including the HC-130J Combat King II, MC-130J Commando II, and KC-130J Super Hercules. It also allows two A-10s to refuel simultaneously.

Is the A-10 retiring soon?

Yes. The U.S. Air Force plans to fully divest and retire the A-10 fleet by the end of the decade, and the final class of new A-10 pilots graduated in April 2026. However, the aircraft is still receiving critical upgrades to support ongoing operations until its retirement.

Sources:
Moody Air Force Base Press Release