The first batch of F-35 fighter jets from NATO's eastern flank arrives in Poland.
Xinhua News Agency, Warsaw, May 22 (Reporter Yang Yuchen) - Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Mariusz Błaszczak announced on social media on the 22nd that three F-35 fighter jets have arrived in Poland, marking the first officially stationed fifth-generation aircraft on NATO's eastern flank.
Błaszczak stated earlier that day that the Polish Armed Forces will officially welcome these new aircraft into service on June 12.
According to information from the Polish Ministry of Defense's official website, Poland signed a contract to procure 32 U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets in 2020, with a total value of $4.6 billion, and plans to receive them between 2024 and 2030. The U.S. has already delivered the first batch of aircraft in 2024, deploying them at a U.S. Air Force base in Arkansas for training Polish pilots.
Błaszczak stated that the total value of military purchases Poland has made from the U.S. has reached $63 billion. In addition to the F-35 fighter jets, Poland has also procured 96 Apache helicopters worth approximately $10 billion, of which 8 have already arrived in Poland.
Błaszczak also mentioned that Poland is considering the decision announced by U.S. President Trump on the 21st to send an additional 5,000 soldiers to Poland. He said that Poland's current goal is to increase the long-term stationed troops and enhance the capabilities of U.S. forces in Poland to operate and coordinate with Polish troops, ensuring the security of NATO's eastern flank.
Three F-35 aircraft arrived in Poland on May 22, 2023, marking the first deployment of fifth-generation jets at NATO's eastern flank. The Polish Armed Forces will officially welcome these jets on June 12, 2023. Poland signed a contract in 2020 to procure 32 F-35 jets, with the first batch delivered for pilot training in the U.S. Additionally, Poland is evaluating a proposal to increase U.S. troop presence by 5,000 soldiers to enhance military cooperation.
- Three F-35 aircraft have arrived in Poland as the first batch stationed at NATO's eastern flank.
- Poland's armed forces will officially welcome these jets on June 12, 2023.
- Poland signed a contract in 2020 to purchase 32 F-35 jets for a total of $4.6 billion.
- The U.S. has delivered the first batch of jets for training Polish pilots at an Air Force base in Arkansas.
- Poland is considering increasing U.S. troop presence by 5,000 soldiers.