Lockheed Martin Announces Poland's F-35 Fighter Jet Husarz Almost Ready.

Poland's first F-35 fighter jet, named "Husarz," is nearing completion, according to Lockheed Martin. The U.S. defense contractor released a video on social media showing the aircraft progressing through its production line in Fort Worth, Texas, and announced that the jet would be officially unveiled on 28 August 2024. Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team performs at EAA AirVenture over Oshkosh, Wisconsin, July 23, 2024 (Picture source: US DoD)

The F-35A Lightning II is a fifth-generation multirole fighter designed to replace the aging F-16 and A-10 aircraft in the U.S. Air Force. Equipped with advanced stealth technology, sensor fusion, and unparalleled situational awareness, it is built to operate in advanced threat environments. The F-35A also features the Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS), which manages maintenance and mission planning, and is designed to be compatible with defense systems of allied and coalition partners.

Production of the F-35A began in the early 2010s, with the aircraft entering service in 2016. Currently, over 300 F-35A units are in service across several U.S. allied nations. The jet is powered by a Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, producing 43,000 pounds of thrust, enabling speeds of Mach 1.6 and a range of over 1,350 miles with internal fuel. Its multirole capabilities allow it to conduct precision strikes, ensure air superiority, and perform reconnaissance operations with advanced stealth and connectivity.

The "Husarz" is scheduled to leave the production facility in August, as planned. However, the first batch of six jets will not be delivered to Poland immediately. Instead, they will be sent to Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas for pilot training. The jets are expected to arrive in Poland by 2026, with the entire order completed by 2030. This acquisition is part of Poland’s broader military modernization efforts, which also include the Patriot missile defense systems and HIMARS rocket artillery, both widely used by NATO allies. The contract for 32 F-35 fighters was signed in 2020 by then-Defense Minister Mariusz Błaszczak, representing a significant upgrade for the Polish Air Force.

The name "Husarz" was chosen through a public competition organized by the General Staff of the Polish Army. It references the Polish hussars, a respected heavy cavalry formation active from the 16th to 18th centuries, known for their iconic winged armor and elite status in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

Poland concluded its fighter acquisition program with the signing of a Letter of Offer and Acceptance between the U.S. and Polish governments on January 31, 2020, for 32 F-35A Conventional Take Off and Landing (CTOL) variant jets. This decision reflects Poland's confidence in the F-35 to meet its national security needs in the coming decades.

The F-35 aircraft will be stationed at Swidwin TAB and Lask TAB, enhancing the country’s air defense capabilities.