The Polish Air Force’s first F-35A, designated AZ-02 and design number 3502, reached an important milestone with its successful first test flight on December 2, 2024. The flight took place on the Lockheed Martin site at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth in Texas.

This event marks a significant step forward in Poland’s integration into the elite group of nations operating the world’s most advanced stealth fighter.

This historic moment comes just over three months after the Polish F-35 program was publicly unveiled at a high-profile rollout ceremony at the same Fort Worth facility.

On August 28, 2024, the first Polish F-35A, designated AZ-01, was presented to an audience that included prominent officials such as Paweł Bejda, State Secretary in the Ministry of National Defense, and Cezary Tomczyk, Deputy Minister of National Defense, alongside top brass from the Polish Air Force.

The unveiling symbolized not only Poland’s commitment to modernizing its air force, but also its determination to play a greater role in NATO’s collective defense framework.

A particularly striking aspect of the Polish F-35A’s design is the emblem it wears – or rather, what it doesn’t wear. Contrary to tradition, the aircraft lacks the iconic, full-color red and white checkerboard insignia that have adorned Polish military aircraft for decades.

Instead, a subtle, low-visibility version of the emblem was applied, consistent with the F-35 program’s stealth and tactical philosophy. This is a notable departure from the livery seen on Polish aircraft in the past, including the Soviet-era Su-22 and MiG-29, which retained their vibrant insignia even after the introduction of muted gray camouflage patterns.

The integration of the F-35A into the Polish arsenal represents not only a technological advancement, but also a geopolitical statement. As Poland faces growing security challenges in the region, the acquisition of the F-35A underscores the country’s commitment to strengthening its national defense and its strategic alignment with the United States and NATO.

This milestone test flight sets the stage for and paves the way for further delivery and operational integration of the F-35A into the Polish Air Force “Hussarz” become a cornerstone of the Polish air force strategy.

The journey of Poland’s acquisition of the F-35A Lightning II was a methodical and transformative process that symbolizes the country’s ambitions to modernize its military capabilities and deepen its strategic relationships with NATO allies.

This multi-year effort, culminating in the first flight of Poland’s first F-35A, reflects a commitment to deploying cutting-edge technology in response to evolving regional and global security challenges.

Poland’s interest in the F-35A arose in the early 2010s when the Polish Air Force was looking for a replacement for its aging fleet of Soviet-era Su-22 and MiG-29 fighters.

While these aging platforms were once reliable, they no longer met the demands of modern warfare, particularly against equivalent adversaries equipped with advanced air defense systems.

In 2019, Poland formally began negotiations with the United States to procure 32 F-35As, taking advantage of the aircraft’s unmatched stealth, sensor fusion and networked combat capabilities.

That same year, the US Congress approved the sale under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, marking a major step forward in Poland’s military modernization.

The official contract signed in January 2020 assured Poland of purchasing the F-35A for around $4.6 billion, including training, support and logistics packages.

The agreement included not only delivery of the aircraft, but also access to advanced simulation systems and pilot training in the United States. This ensured a smooth transition for the Polish Air Force and enabled its personnel to integrate into the operational culture of fifth generation combat aircraft operations.

It was also highlighted that Poland has made significant investments not only in hardware, but also in human capital and long-term operational readiness.

An important milestone occurred in early 2023 when the first group of Polish pilots and maintenance teams arrived in the United States for specialized training.

The program, conducted at bases such as Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, provided Polish personnel with hands-on experience operating and maintaining the F-35A under the guidance of experienced U.S. Air Force instructors. By the end of 2023, these crews were ready to support the rollout and eventual operational use of the aircraft.

Towards the end of the year, the first Polish F-35A, now designated AZ-02, made its maiden flight on December 2, 2024 from the same facility in Fort Worth.

The successful flight demonstrated not only the operational readiness of the aircraft, but also Poland’s seamless integration into the F-35 program, one of the most advanced and complex defense initiatives in the world.

Further deliveries of the remaining aircraft are planned until the end of the 2020s, with the fleet expected to reach full operational capability in the early 2030s.

Poland’s acquisition of the F-35A represents a profound shift in its defense strategy. The aircraft’s ability to operate in highly contested environments, collect and share information across a wide battlefield, and carry out precision strikes makes it a game changer for the Polish Air Force.

Beyond its technical capabilities, the F-35A symbolizes Poland’s commitment to maintaining its sovereignty, protecting NATO’s eastern flank and contributing to the alliance’s collective security.

From initial planning to delivery, the process of acquiring the F-35A was a testament to Poland’s vision and determination. As the country begins to integrate these cutting-edge fighter aircraft into its air force, the F-35A is poised to redefine Poland’s role in Europe’s security architecture and ensure that it remains a formidable and reliable ally for decades to come.

At its core, the Polish F-35A is equipped with the Northrop Grumman AN/APG-81 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, a key component that provides the aircraft with unmatched situational awareness.

This radar enables long-range detection and tracking of air and ground targets while supporting precision-guided munitions with high-resolution imaging modes.

Combined with the Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) located under the aircraft’s nose, the F-35A excels at identifying and engaging targets at longer ranges, even in contested environments.

The F-35A’s stealth capabilities are enhanced by its low-visibility coatings and airframe design that minimize radar cross section and infrared signature. These functions enable the “Hussarz” to operate undetected in enemy airspace, giving Poland a strategic advantage in surveillance, reconnaissance and precision strike operations.

This is complemented by the Distributed Aperture System (DAS), which uses six infrared cameras mounted around the airframe to provide 360-degree detection. This system transmits real-time images to the pilot’s helmet, enabling unprecedented tracking of missiles, aircraft and ground threats in all conditions.

The heart of the F-35A’s operational capability lies in its Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS), which will soon transition to its next-generation successor, the Operational Data Integrated Network (ODIN).

This system optimizes maintenance, mission planning and data management to ensure maximum operational readiness. Polish ground crews have been extensively trained in these advanced systems to ensure the “Husarz” fleet maintains maximum availability during critical missions.

The Polish F-35A is also equipped to carry an impressive array of weapons. Its internal weapons bays maintain stealth while providing space for precision-guided munitions such as the GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM), GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs (SDBs) and the AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missile (AMRAAM). Operations beyond visual range.

The aircraft can also be equipped with the AIM-9X Sidewinder for short-range dogfights, further cementing its dominance in air combat. For missions requiring increased firepower, the F-35A can switch to external equipment, including long-range standoff missiles such as the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM), extending its attack capabilities deep into enemy territory.

Perhaps one of the most revolutionary features of the Polish F-35A is its integration into the “System of Systems” approach, which enables seamless data exchange between platforms.

The F-35A serves as a battlefield “quarterback,” Receiving and transmitting information through its C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) suite.

This network capability enables the “Hussarz” to coordinate with other NATO assets, such as the Polish Patriot air defense systems, AWACS aircraft and even ground-based missile systems, to create a unified and resilient defense network.

Pilots operating the Husarz benefit from the Raytheon Technologies F-35 Gen III Helmet-Mounted Display System (HMDS), a state-of-the-art interface that projects critical flight and combat information directly onto the visor.

This system effectively eliminates the need for traditional cockpit displays, allowing pilots to focus on their surroundings while accessing important data. The helmet also integrates with the DAS to provide a real-time 360-degree view, improving situational awareness and reducing response times in high-stress environments.

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