On August 28, 2024, during the Polish Aviation Day celebrations, the United States hosted the official presentation of Poland’s first F-35 fighter jet. This event marks a significant milestone in the modernization of the Polish Armed Forces, enhancing the country’s defense capabilities and its position within NATO.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of National Defense Paweł Bejda, who led the Polish delegation, along with Deputy Minister Cezary Tomczyk and representatives from the Polish Air Force leadership. Deputy Minister Bejda emphasized that the presentation of the first Polish F-35 comes at a crucial time, as global security dynamics have shifted dramatically due to Russian aggression against Ukraine. “A modern, well-equipped, well-trained, and well-led military, working alongside our allies, will ensure the security of our homeland,” Bejda stated, highlighting the need for readiness to defend NATO borders.
Poland has signed a contract for the purchase of 32 state-of-the-art F-35 Lightning II aircraft, which are fifth-generation multirole fighters. The deal includes not only the jets but also spare engines, mission simulators, operational support, and comprehensive training for both pilots and ground crew.
In his speech, Deputy Minister Bejda addressed current security challenges such as airspace violations, cyberattacks, and provocations from neighboring countries. He stressed that in the face of these threats, Poland must allocate the necessary resources for defense, focusing on strengthening borders and countering hybrid warfare and illegal migration. “The Eastern Shield represents one of the largest investments in national security and border defense in post-war Polish history,” Bejda said, adding that the transformation of the Polish Armed Forces is a crucial part of these efforts.
Deputy Minister Bejda also highlighted the importance of military cooperation between Poland and the United States, both within NATO and bilaterally. With Poland allocating 4% of its GDP to defense in 2024, it leads NATO in military spending, enabling the ambitious modernization program for its armed forces. “Cooperation with the USA provides us with access to the latest technologies and training,” Bejda noted, emphasizing the benefits of this partnership for both Poland and the American defense industry.
Deputy Minister Cezary Tomczyk, who also spoke at the event, emphasized that today’s ceremony is a significant step in the long process of integrating the F-35 into the Polish Armed Forces. He expressed gratitude to the U.S. government and Congress for their support, which has made this project possible. He highlighted that Poland, being the only country with shared borders with Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine, needs the best equipment and the most reliable allies to maintain regional stability.
With the acquisition of the F-35s, Poland joins an elite group of nations equipped with these advanced aircraft. These fighters, working in conjunction with PATRIOT systems and F-16s, will significantly enhance Poland’s defense capabilities and strengthen NATO’s eastern flank, improving security in this part of Europe.
The Deputy Minister of Defense emphasized that the F-35 is the best fighter jet in the world, which will greatly boost Poland’s defense capabilities, making it particularly symbolic on Polish Aviation Day. With these aircraft, Poland becomes part of an elite group ready to face new challenges in a changing world.
