A Polish fighter pilot has flown an F-35A Lightning II aircraft for the first time at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
The milestone flight came after F-35 pilot training under the guidance of the US’ 33rd Fighter Wing began in October last year, which was followed by a couple of aircraft deliveries in December.
“In this era of strategic competition, we’re committed to equipping our allies with the capabilities they need while also fostering greater interoperability,” said Col. Dave Skalicky, 33rd Fighter Wing commander.
“Having these pilots make their country’s first F-35 flights here in Fort Smith and knowing the teamwork at all levels it took to get us here – it’s an extremely powerful, rewarding feeling.”
A Polish F-35A Lightning II pilot executes ground operations at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Arkansas, Jan. 29, 2025. The first Polish F-35A pilots arrived at Ebbing to begin training, marking a historic milestone for the 33rd Fighter Wing and Foreign Military Sales program.
Poland requested 32 of Lockheed Martin’s F-35As from the US as part of a foreign military sale in 2019, with an estimated cost of more than $6 billion.
The country’s initial F-35A, designated “Husarz,” was unveiled in August 2024, paving the way for Warsaw to become the first F-35 operator in Eastern Europe as it boosts its defense capabilities amid increasing threats in the region.
To equip the future foreign operators of US-made aircraft with the necessary capabilities, the US Air Force selected the 33rd Fighter Wing to oversee training operations.
The Eastern European country is the first to undergo training at the site.
As the Polish Air Force student pilots are anticipated to graduate in the spring, the first fifth-generation fighter aircraft ordered will arrive at the 32nd Tactical Air Base in Łask, central Poland, later this year.
Meanwhile, the remaining aircraft will be delivered through 2030, replacing Warsaw’s aging Russia-designed MiG-29 combat fleet.
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