Poland has taken another important step in its air modernization program with the production progress of two more F-35A Lightning II Husarz multirole fighters.
The aircraft have already entered the final stage of the assembly line and are now moving to the painting phase, signaling that delivery is approaching.
The two new jets correspond to serial numbers 3509 (AZ-09) and 3510 (AZ-10). These aircraft mark the beginning of direct deliveries to Poland, as предусмотрed in the contract signed with the United States.
According to the official schedule, the first eight F-35A Husarz aircraft—numbered from 3501 to 3508—will remain in the United States for the training and qualification of Polish pilots. These aircraft are expected to stay there until approximately the third quarter of 2027. From airframe 3509 onward, the fighters will be delivered directly to Polish territory, with the first delivery expected in 2026.
The contract for the acquisition of 32 fifth-generation aircraft was signed in 2020, representing one of the largest recent investments by the Polish Armed Forces. Production of the Husarz variant began three years later, in line with the program’s industrial planning.
The first operational F-35A aircraft will be assigned to the 32nd Tactical Air Base, located in Łask. At the end of 2025, the base received a new operational area with complete and modern infrastructure, specifically prepared to operate fifth-generation fighters, including hangars, support systems, and advanced maintenance facilities.
With the arrival of the F-35A Husarz, Poland significantly strengthens its air defense capabilities, interoperability with NATO allies, and strategic presence on Europe’s eastern flank.
Why “Husarz”?
The name F-35A Husarz was chosen by Poland as the national designation for its F-35A Lightning II fighters, following a historical and symbolic tradition of the Polish Armed Forces.
“Husarz” is the Polish word for “Hussar,” a direct reference 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 once dominated the land battlefield, the F-35A is seen as a dominant force in modern airspace.
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Source and images: Ministerstwo Obrony Narodowej (Poland) – X @MON_GOV_PL. This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
