Poland has taken another important step in its air force modernization program with two more F-35A Lightning II Husarz with the progress of multi-role fighter production.
The aircraft have already entered the final stage of the assembly line and are now entering the painting phase, signaling the imminent handover.
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The two new fighters correspond to the serial numbers 3509 (AZ-09) and 3510 (AZ-10). These aircraft represent the beginning of direct deliveries to Poland, as stipulated in the contract 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 for training and retraining of Polish pilots. These aircraft are expected to remain in the country until approximately the third quarter of 2027. Starting with copy 3509, the fighters will be delivered directly to Polish territory, and the first handover may take place as early as 2026.
The contract for the purchase of 32 5th generation aircraft was signed in 2020, representing one of the largest recent investments of the Polish Armed Forces. The production of the Husarz version started three years later, in accordance with the program’s industrial schedule.
The first combat-ready F-35As will be deployed at the 32nd Tactical Air Base in Łaski. At the end of 2025, the unit received a new operational area with a fully modern and state-of-the-art infrastructure specially prepared for the operation of fifth-generation fighters, including hangars, support systems and advanced maintenance facilities.
By putting the F-35A Hussars into service, Poland significantly strengthens its air defense capabilities, its interoperability with NATO allies, and its strategic presence on the eastern flank of Europe.
Why “Husarz”?
The designation F-35A Husarz was chosen by Poland as the national designation for its F-35A Lightning II fighters, following the historical and symbolic traditions of the Polish Armed Forces.
“Husarz” is the Polish equivalent of “hussar” and is a direct reference to the Polish Winged Hussars of the 16th and 17th centuries. century, they were one of the most famous and feared cavalry formations in Europe.
Just as the Hussars dominated the land battlefields, the F-35A is also considered the ruler of the modern airspace.
Source and images: Ministerstwo Obrony Narodowej (Poland) – X @MON_GOV_PL. This content is generated with the help of artificial intelligence and verified by the editors.
