Poland's first F-35 fighters enter service as Husarz squadron takes to the skies
Poland's Air Force said the first batch of F-35 fighter jets delivered from the United States officially entered service under the new Husarz squadron banner. Euronews said the ceremonial flyover took place above the Lask military base region and noted the total order stands at 32 aircraft. The government described the step as a milestone for NATO's eastern-flank deterrence.
Euronews reported that Poland's new Husarz fighter squadron entered service at a ceremony held in the Lask military base region. The U.S. deputy defense secretary attended the flyover alongside Poland's president. Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said "this is the day eastern-flank deterrence within the NATO alliance takes a clear step forward".
The first delivery batch covers six jets; the full 32-aircraft programme is to be completed by 2030. Poland is also coordinating its air-defence umbrella scenario with Germany, the Netherlands and Norway. Pentagon spokesperson Singh said "the political signal strengthens deterrence".
A Credit Suisse defence analyst note from Eckert added that "the Polish programme is increasing pressure on the NATO modernisation fund". The IMF launched a technical review of Poland's 4.7% of GDP defence spending. This is not investment advice.
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