Poland Inducts First F-35A Jets, Plans Fleet of 64 Aircraft

The Republic of Poland officially inducted its first three Lockheed Martin F-35A Husarz aircraft into service on June 12, 2026, while simultaneously announcing plans to double its total procurement to 64 airframes.

The induction ceremony at the 32nd Tactical Air Base in Łask marks a major milestone in the modernization of the Polish Air-Forces. According to a press release from Lockheed Martin, the 5th-generation fighters will replace the country’s aging Soviet-era MiG-29 and Su-22 fleets, reinforcing NATO deterrence along the alliance’s eastern flank.

Fleet expansion and delivery timeline

During the June 12 ceremony, Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz revealed that the government’s classified Armed Forces Development Program includes funding to purchase two additional F-35 squadrons. According to reporting by Breaking Defense, this acquisition of 32 additional aircraft would bring Poland’s total planned fleet to 64.

The initial three aircraft physically arrived in Poland on May 22, 2026, stemming from a $4.6 billion contract signed in January 2020. Breaking Defense reports that 14 of the original 32 aircraft are expected to be fully inducted by the end of 2026, with Deliveries for the first order concluding in 2029.

Infrastructure investments and public debut

Preparing for the F-35A required substantial facility modernization. Starting in 2022, the 32nd Tactical Air Base underwent approximately $700 million in infrastructure upgrades to meet NATO standards for 5th-generation operations. This included the construction of a highly secured Operations and Command Center.

To mark the induction, the Polish government organized a cross-country fly-past on June 12. TVP World reported that the jets flew at low altitude over prominent national landmarks, including Wawel Castle in Krakow, Westerplatte in Gdansk, and the Vistula River in Warsaw. Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk emphasized the importance of public visibility for the defense expenditure, telling TVP World that taxpayers must see what their money funds and calling the F-35 a fundamental change for the military.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics President OJ Sanchez highlighted the strategic importance of the Delivery during the ceremony.

“The arrival of the first F-35 combat aircraft in Poland represents an important milestone for the nation’s defense and for regional security across Europe. Poland continues to demonstrate strong leadership within NATO through its commitment to modernization and interoperability with allied forces.”

AirPro News analysis

We view Poland’s intention to double its F-35A fleet as a clear indicator of a long-term strategic shift away from legacy Soviet hardware and toward deep integration with NATO air combat systems. Procuring 64 F-35s would position the Polish Air Force as one of the largest operators of the type in Europe. The $700 million investment in the Łask air base also suggests Poland is building the foundational infrastructure not just for its own fleet, but potentially to support allied F-35 deployments along the eastern flank if required.

Sources: Lockheed Martin