Poland has become the first country on the eastern flank of the NATO in operating combat aircraft 5th generation after deploying its new stealth fighters F-35A Hussarznamed in reference to the Polish Winged Hussars, the elite heavy cavalry of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, active between the 16th and 18th centuries. Poland’s first F-35A Husarz fighters arrived at the 32nd Tactical Air Base in Łask on May 22, which, in addition to strengthening Poland’s air power, Expands NATO’s ability to conduct advanced air operations along its most strategically sensitive border.
The initial deployment consists of three F-35A Lightning IImanufactured by Lockheed Martinwhich are part of a contract signed in 2020 for 32 fighters valued at approximately 4.6 billion dollarswhich includes training, logistical support and simulation systems. Deliveries are expected to continue until the end of the decade.
A generational leap for the Polish Air Force
The F-35A Husarz represents a significant leap over the former Polish fighter aircraft of Soviet origin and complements the current fleet of fighters. F-16 of the country. As a fifth-generation platform, the F-35A combines stealth technology, advanced sensors, electronic warfare and the ability to work linked with other systems, allowing the pilot detect and identify threats at greater distances and attack earlier, in addition to reducing the chances of the aircraft being located by radar.
Unlike traditional fighters, which force pilots to separately interpret information from various systems, the F-35 gathers all that data and presents it as a single image of the battlefield. This reduces workload and allows for faster decision-making on complex missions.
The plane combines a radar AESA AN/APG-81a distributed opening system AN/AAQ-37an electro-optical system AN/AAQ-40electronic support sensors, secure data links and an advanced helmet visor, according to the defense media Army Recognition. Additionally, it can carry weapons in internal holds to maintain a low radar signature, with a typical configuration of two air-to-air missiles. AIM-120 AMRAAM and two guided bombs GBU-31 JDAMabout 900 kg. If stealth is not a priority, can load more weapons on external pylons, although at the cost of being easier to detect.
For Poland, this means incorporating a much more versatile tool than its old MiG-29 Fulcrum of Soviet origin. The F-35A can be used in air superiority missions, precision strikes, intelligence collection, suppression of enemy air defenses and joint operations with other NATO countries.
Key piece in the rearmament of Poland
The F-35 fleet is planned to be closely integrated with Poland’s current and planned defense assets, including air defense systems Patriotrocket launchers HIMARShelicopters AH-64E Apache and the tanks Abrams. Together, these systems create a more connected and resilient defense architecture.
F-35A Husarz deployment reflects Poland’s effort to transform its armed forces in one of the most capable military organizations in Europe.
While the country’s F-16 fleet continues to provide proven multi-role combat capabilities, the F-35 introduces a new level of survivability, intelligence gathering and networked warfare. Military planners increasingly believe that the combination of fourth and fifth generation aircraft acts as a force multiplierallowing each platform to perform the missions that best take advantage of its strengths.
The Polish acquisition also deepens interoperability with NATO members already operating the F-35, including United Kingdom, Italy, Norway, Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Finland and Germany. Shared training, logistics networks and common operating procedures enhance Alliance readiness and support multinational operations.