Key Points and Summary: Poland’s acquisition of 32 F-35 fighter jets marks a major upgrade to its air force, enhancing NATO’s deterrence against Russia.
-With its stealth, advanced sensors, and interoperability, the F-35 will transform Poland’s air force, securing NATO’s eastern flank.
-The Polish Air Force has begun training pilots in the U.S., joining a growing network of European F-35 operators.
-As 600 F-35s are expected across Europe in the next five years, a “stealth corridor” is emerging, significantly outpacing Russia’s limited Su-57 fleet. Poland’s investment in modern airpower ensures it is well-prepared for any future threats from the east.
Why Poland Getting the F-35 Is a Big Deal for Europe
The Polish Air Force is training its pilots in the USA after acquiring its first F-35 fighter aircraft.
Back in 2020, Poland and the United States signed a $4.6 billion deal that would furnish 32 F-35A Lightning IIs to Warsaw, with an additional 33 F135 engines made by Pratt & Whitney, as well as training and logistics services.
Poland and the F-35: This Is History in the Making
Poland has boosted its defense spending since the Russians invaded Ukraine in February 2022. The F-35s, they insist, will be used for deterrence.
But make no mistake, the Poles know precisely what is before them. And it isn’t just stealth aircraft; Warsaw has borrowed billions from Washington to buy aircraft, Apache attack helicopters, and other weapons.
Poland is a key ally of the US, protecting the eastern edge on NATO and has a right to be leery of Russia.
In the last 500 years, the Poles have had to fight the Russians 16 times.
So Why is The F-35 A Big Deal For Poland?
The first thing that comes to mind is simple geography.
“Poland is the only country in the world that shares the common borders at the same time with Russia, with Ukraine and with Belarus. To keep the borders unchanged, we need the best equipment, the best capability and the best friends,” said Deputy Minister of National Defence Cezary Tomczyk.
Poland, Germany, and the Czech Republic are some of the NATO nations with the F-35. In the next five years, there should be be about 600 F-35s on the continent, with about 50 belonging to the US. That is deterrence.
Modernizing the Polish Air Force
Given Poland’s proximity to Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine, the Polish military’s defense must be upgraded and modernized to protect itself and NATO’s eastern flank.
The F-35A Lightning II is a key aspect of that modernization. The F-35A, with its stealth, air superiority, and interoperability with other NATO nations, gives eastern Europe much better deterrence against further Russian aggression.
“A New Era” Begins With Allies Training On the Lightning II
In December, the Polish Air Force took possession of its first two F-35As and began training its pilots at Fort Smith’s Ebbing Air National Guard Base in North Little Rock, Arkansas.
The Polish pilots will work with the USAF’s 85th Fighter Group as they transition to the new F-35As at Ebbing ANGB. The Air National Guard base will be busy in the upcoming years.
The 85th Fighter Group will play host to allied pilots from Finland, Germany, Switzerland, and Singapore shortly as more and more countries transition to the F-35.
A “Stealth Corridor” Across Europe Thanks to F-35:
A recent post by flyajetfighter.com highlights the political and geographical consequences of the Polish Air Force acquiring the F-35. The gains made by Poland and NATO with these F-35 deals are strategic.
A U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 34th Fighter Squadron receives fuel from a KC-10 Extender aircraft over Poland, February 24, 2022. U.S. Air Force/Senior Airman Joseph Barron/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Poland, which has 32 F-35As and others in Germany, the Czech Republic, and elsewhere in Europe, creates a corridor of stealth fighters across NATO’s eastern flank.
How Will Russia Counter This F-35 Stealth Move? Enter the Su-57 Felon
Russia’s “stealth” Su-57 Felon is an outstanding fighter by most standards, but stealth?
Not so much. The Su-57 has 20 to 30 times the radar signature of an F-22. Currently, Moscow only has a handful of Su-57s, and with Western sanctions, it has been harder for Moscow to produce aircraft.
F-35 in Poland. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
China, Russia’s ally of convenience for now, ridiculed the Su-57 at an air show in November, pointing out its many “less than stealthy” features. NATO’s stealth ability is growing by leaps and bounds. If Russia wants to flex its muscles any further than Ukraine, it will face a much better armed and integrated defense.
Poland has a history with Russia, but they will be prepared if another invasion comes from the east. And the F-35A will be a big part of their defense. It is a game changer for the Polish and NATO.
About the Author:
Steve Balestrieri is a 19FortyFive National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing for 19FortyFive, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in many military publications.
