The United States has completed the assembly of the first F-35A Lightning II fighter jet for the Polish Air Force. This fifth-generation multirole aircraft, designated with serial number AZ-01, rolled off the production line at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Texas in late July 2024. The jet is now undergoing final preparations, including the application of a specialized stealth coating and painting, with all work expected to be finalized in the coming weeks. A formal presentation ceremony is planned for August 28.
The Polish Air Force has christened this fighter F-35A “Husarz,” in honor of the historic Polish hussars. Production of this aircraft began in April 2023 in Georgia, with Mateusz Morawiecki overseeing the start of construction.
Under a contract signed in January 2020, Poland will acquire 32 F-35A fighters in the Block 4 configuration, featuring the Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) package—representing the most advanced evolution of the F-35’s capabilities to date. The first six aircraft will be built between 2024 and 2025, with deliveries continuing until 2030. Initially, these jets will be stationed at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas, where Polish pilots will receive their training. The first Polish F-35A Husarz is anticipated to arrive in Poland at the Lask air base in 2026.
This $4.6 billion contract also includes training for 24 pilots and 90 ground personnel. Poland began the process of training its future F-35A pilots in 2021.
On August 2, 2024, Lockheed Martin shared a video showcasing the AZ-01 fighter being moved to the final finishing facility at its Fort Worth plant in Texas, where it will receive its stealth coating. “Poland’s first F-35 is on the move!” the company announced on its official X (formerly Twitter) account.
Once handed over to the Polish Ministry of National Defence, AZ-01 will be delivered to Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas for pilot training. In a move to preserve the jet’s stealth capabilities, Poland has decided that its F-35As will feature subtle grey checkerboard markings instead of the traditional red and white, marking a first for the Polish Armed Forces.
In line with its F-35A acquisition, Poland is also exploring the market for an unmanned “loyal wingman” system to complement these fighters. This initiative, mentioned as early as 2020, aims to develop advanced Harpi Szpon drone systems to operate alongside the F-35s.
The F-35A is a single-engine, fifth-generation multirole fighter developed by Lockheed Martin. It is designed for a variety of missions, including air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance. The aircraft boasts advanced stealth technologies, sophisticated avionics, and a suite of armaments, including air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, as well as an internal 25 mm cannon for close engagements.
The F-35A’s dimensions—approximately 15.7 meters in length, a wingspan of about 10.7 meters, and a height of around 4.4 meters—contribute to its aerodynamic efficiency and stealth capabilities. Its propulsion system, powered by a Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 turbofan engine, delivers a maximum thrust of about 43,000 pounds, enabling speeds of up to Mach 1.6.
The aircraft’s technical features include advanced stealth technology, a fly-by-wire control system, and an avionics suite equipped with the AN/APG-81 AESA radar, 360-degree DAS detection and tracking system, and EOTS targeting system, all of which enhance pilot decision-making and situational awareness.
The F-35A has an operational range of approximately 2,220 kilometers without external fuel tanks, extendable through aerial refueling, making it a versatile and effective asset for modern air combat.
The imminent delivery of Poland’s first F-35A marks a significant milestone in the modernization of the country’s defense capabilities and further strengthens military and political ties between Poland and the United States.
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