General Commander of the Types of Armed Forces Gen. Guns Marek Sokołowski decided to temporarily halt F-16 flights. However, this regulation does not cover missions aimed at protecting the state border. The decision relates to Thursday's F-16 disaster while preparing for the Air Show in Radom.
The accident occurred at the airport in Radom, during the rehearsal before the Air Show Radom 2025. Major Maciej “Slab” Krakowian died in the F-16 crash of 31 Tactical Aviation Base in Krzesinach, pilot with large experience, leader of Tiger Demo Team. – In consequence to this event, the commander-general of the RSZ decided to suspend all flights on F-16 fighters. The exception is the combat work on which our units participate," said Colonel Marek Pawlak, the spokesperson for the General Commander of the Polish Armed Forces. This year's Air Show edition was canceled.
In an interview with “Polska Armoury” Colonel Pawlak denoted media information regarding the issue of an authoritative ban on all combat aircraft on air shows. "This is simply a Facebook that has been circulating in the media for any time," stressed DGRSZ spokesperson.
F-16 fighters are part of Poland's air defence structure and in accordance with global alliance commitments regularly patrol the borders and the east flank of NATO. They are a key component of constant combat preparedness: on work as alleged on-call pairs, capable of immediate take-off in the event of threats specified as unauthorized flights of alien aircraft, airspace violations or possible rocket attacks.
