First Hussar exercises this year

To what degree will the F-35 strengthen the capabilities of the Polish armed forces?

This plane is simply a generational leap for Polish aviation. Thanks to stealth F-35 technology is almost undetectable for radars. It can besides destruct the most advanced rocket systems before the opponent realizes that they are at risk. We haven't had these abilities before. The F-35 collects data not only from its own sensors, but besides from another aircraft, ground systems or satellites. This gives the pilot a unique image of the battlefield in real time. This enhances its safety and the chances of effective action. The pilot knows more and faster than if he was behind the wheel of any another aircraft.

It is worth noting that the F-35 is besides a immense versatility. This aircraft can successfully carry out fighter missions, breach enemy defense, impact and reconnaissance.

Does the acquisition of the 5th generation platform strengthen our position in NATO and the European Union?

I hear many times from my partners – and I heard it late straight from U.S. Secretary of defence Pete Hegseth – that Poland is simply a model ally. Those are not the words for the beginning of the conference. It's an assessment of what we do. And the equipment of our armed forces at the F-35 is evidence of that. specified machines are increasingly common in the NATO and EU air force. They make us an crucial part of a wider global defence system. We are beginning up fresh opportunities in cooperation, among others, with Britain, the Netherlands, Norway or Denmark. We can plan and carry out further joint operations. I believe that it is precisely specified a perception of Polish safety as a model based on building its own defence capabilities, membership in the EU, in NATO and strong relations with the US present that it is simply a consequence to threats to the safety of Poland as well as the full east flank of the Alliance, and so the European Union.

I want to be clear: present there is no defence of Europe without NATO or NATO without the real combat capabilities of its members. We build these abilities. And if Europe is to take greater work for its security, then Poland is ready to play a serious leadership function in this.

Today the F-35 is at the centre of attention and the word “Huszar” is changed by all cases. Prime Minister, tell me about the plans to usage these machines. erstwhile will the F-35 scope operational readiness?

According to plans, 14 machines should be located in Poland by the end of this year. By 2027, we will have another one, including eight, on which our pilots are trained present in the United States. According to the agreed transportation agenda should be completed in 2029. We will then have 2 squadrons of Hussars.. The F-35 as a multi-tasking device will not only execute combat work in the air defence strategy of Poland and NATO, but will besides strengthen our possible for deterrence. After all, it will warrant the ability to conduct precise hits on ground targets. In addition, it is simply a high-tech filling machine, so it will besides have designation capabilities. It will become a circumstantial HUB with data for many weapons systems of various types of troops. This is another – very precise alongside satellites – “eyes” of our troops and our commanders.

Although we will gotta wait a while for the transportation of all aircraft and the full readiness of the combat squadron is planned for 2030, it is now – and I would like to emphasise this – the F-35 is stepping up our security. shortly these planes will be guarding our airspace.

When is the first usage of the F-35 planned during polygon exercises? Will the soldiers start training again this year?

Yes, we are planning our first F-35 exercises this year, after the first squadron has reached first operational readiness. It will be a historical minute and I look forward to it. But the F-35 will not wait for exercises and since landing in Poland are part of our country's defence strategy – the exercises will only improve this.

What organizational changes and purchases does the Polish Army request to make full usage of the F-35 combat potential?

The effectiveness of the aircraft is guaranteed by the strategy in which it operates – it is not only training, infrastructure or logistics, it is besides a consistent planning of its operation for years, and especially investment in its weaponry. In the fall of last year, we contracted 200 AIM-120D AMRAAM – 1 of the most modern air-to-air missiles in the market.

Another key component of device efficiency is its strategy integration. The F-35 must communicate effectively and safely with our another systems. We aim to guarantee that all elements of the Polish Armed Forces – aviation, anti-aircraft defense, ground troops, navy – function as 1 integrated system. There is no longer a war in which 1 kind of force operates in isolation from the rest.

The plane without a pilot is useless, which is why we're betting on personnel. Building my own teacher base in Poland is 1 of my individual priorities. In the end, we will train ourselves and make the competence of our pilots and maintenance. This is simply a substance of sovereignty, not just logistics.

That's right, pilots... We focus on the 5th generation planes and although they are truly ultra-modern and very technologically advanced, there is simply a man behind their controls. Our pilots have been training in the United States for months, and as far as I know, they're doing great.

It's true. I've heard quite a few flattering opinions about our staff training behind the ocean. And as good as it is, it's not a surprise to me. Behind the rudders of our F-35 will be the perfect pilots, who constitute the perfect combination of experience and youth. I am convinced that Poland is giving the 5th generation machines into certain hands. The key is that We already have pilots with teacher privileges., we so keep the continuity of training and the ability to build human resources based on our national infrastructure.

Do you think the F-35 magic will besides resonate to the young generation, to future soldiers? After all, Hussar may be a large dream of the Air Force Academy.

I very much hope that the F-35 will become a magnet that will strengthen interest in Polish service in the army. This is due to my conversations with young people who come into the army. I know that the F-35 is very awesome and becomes the mark of future service. This is something no another employer offers – this is the dream of anyone who thinks about aviation. And this dream becomes available now. If we want to build an army of 300,000 professional soldiers and another 200,000 active reserves, we must have tools and ambitions. The F-35 is proof that as a country we have them and can carry them out.