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Poland has received its first delivery of F-35 fighter jets from the United States this week, as it ramps up efforts to boost defences on NATO’s eastern flank.
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Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz welcomed the three jets as they landed at Łask air base on Friday, hailing what he called the “new guardians of Polish skies.”
“These are the first 5th-generation fighters on NATO’s eastern flank capable of detecting threats before they themselves are spotted,” he wrote on X. “For Poland, this is not just new equipment, but a step into the elite global league of modern air forces.”
Poland has ordered 32 F-35 multirole fighter jets, which are built by defence contractor Lockheed Martin, from the US.
The aircraft are regarded as some of the most advanced combat planes currently operated by NATO states.
In Europe, F-35s are in service with nations including the UK, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy and Denmark.
Poland signed the contract to buy 32 fighters in 2020. Deliveries of all the aircraft are due to be completed by 2030.
