MSPO 2020: Polish air force to operate 32 F-35A fighters.

Poland concluded its fighter acquisition program with the signing of a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) between the U.S. and Polish governments on Jan. 31, 2020, for 32 F-35A Conventional Take Off and Landing (CTOL) variant jets with initial deliveries beginning in 2024 and in-country deliveries in 2026.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Hill Air Force Base F-35A Lightning IIs fly in formation over the Utah Test and Training Range, March 30, 2017 (Picture source: U.S. Air Force/R. Nial Bradshaw)

With the Polish government’s selection of the F-35A, Poland becomes the 14th nation and 10th NATO country to join the F-35 program of record. This selection, building off Lockheed Martin’s strong, proven track record in Poland, is a testament to the nation’s confidence in the F-35 to meet its national security decades to come.

As a trusted partner to the United States, Poland and NATO, Lockheed Martin welcomed President Duda during his visit to the US. Lockheed Martin and Poland have enjoyed an enduring relationship spanning more than two decades, and value this partnership in helping Poland become one of America’s most capable and trusted allies in Europe. Together with Poland, Lockheed Martin’s defense systems including the F-35, Black Hawk, HIMARS, Javelin and PAC-3 MSE missiles drive national security, economic growth, technological advancement and job opportunities.

Polish president Duda receiving explanations in an F-35 cockpit (Picture source: Lockheed Martin)

Additionally, Poland benefits from a planned modernization program that will be funded by the full F-35 enterprise and will continue to enhance the aircraft’s weapons capacity, electronic warfare suite, sensor capability and more. The F-35 will ensure the Polish Air Force’s role as a fully interoperable, integrated member of NATO and coalition operations.

The current Polish F-16 pilots will benefit from having the F-35 join the Polish Air Force fleet and those who transition will benefit from common training, equipment and tactics with other NATO countries. There is also increased opportunity for joint training exercises, which we have seen demonstrated at Red Flag, Trident Juncture and more.