Poland has progressed the production of two more multi-role combat aircraft F-35A Lightning II Husarz took another important step in its air modernization program.
The aircraft have already reached the final stage of the assembly line and are now moving on to the painting phase, signaling the nearness of delivery.
+ Trump says US could act militarily to protect strategic base at Diego Garcia
The two new jets correspond to the examples with serial numbers 3509 (AZ-09) and 3510 (AZ-10). These machines mark the beginning of direct deliveries to Poland, as provided for in the treaty concluded with the United States.
According to the official schedule, the first eight F-35A Husarz — numbered 3501 to 3508 — will remain in the United States to train and educate Polish pilots. These aircraft are expected to remain there until around the third quarter of 2027. From model 3509 onwards, the fighter jets will be delivered directly to Poland, with the first delivery expected in 2026.
The contract for the procurement of 32 fifth-generation aircraft was signed in 2020 and represents one of the largest recent investments by the Polish Armed Forces. Production of the Husarz version began three years later in accordance with the industrial planning of the program.
The first operational F-35As will be assigned to the 32nd Tactical Air Base in Łask. The unit received a new operational area at the end of 2025 with complete and modern infrastructure specifically designed to operate fifth-generation fighter aircraft, including hangars, support systems and advanced maintenance facilities.
With the entry into service of the F-35A Husarz, Poland significantly strengthens its air defense capabilities, interoperability with NATO allies and its strategic presence on Europe’s eastern flank.
Why “Hussarz”?
The name F-35A Husarz was chosen by Poland as the national designation for its F-35A Lightning II and follows a historical and symbolic tradition of the Polish Armed Forces.
Husarz is the Polish word for “hussar” and refers directly to the Polish Winged Hussars, one of the most famous and feared cavalry formations in Europe between the 16th and 17th centuries.
Just as the Hussars dominated the battlefield on the ground, the F-35A is considered the dominant platform in modern airspace.
Source and images: Ministerstwo Obrony Narodowej (Poland) – X @MON_GOV_PL. This content was created using AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
