"Best" is the word that has been raining many times present in distant Worth. And no wonder. In Texas, the first F-35 aircraft for the Polish Army was presented. "This is simply a milestone in the transformation of the armed forces". "We join the elite," said Deputy Minister of National Defence Paweł Bejda and Cezary Tomczyk during the ceremony.
August 28 is an crucial date for all air force soldiers. This day we celebrate the Polish Aviation Festival. This year's celebrations were special. In distant Worth, Texas, the F-35 "Huszar" aircraft was presented, the first of the 32 5th generation machines ordered by Poland. – This is another milestone in the transformation of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland. This is simply a transformation into a modern, well-equipped, trained and commanded army, which together with allies ensures the safety of its homeland," said Paweł Bejda, Deputy Minister of National Defence. The vice-president of the MON pointed out that the ceremony took place at a crucial minute in terms of security. "We must all be ready to defend NATO borders," he stressed.
Speaking of the F-35 presented today, the Deputy Minister stated that "it is more than an airplane." This is simply a immense step forward. It is simply a multi-tasking 5th generation fighter, which thanks to advanced stealth technology combined with sensor fusion provides exceptional situational awareness – he said. “This translates into reaching an air advantage,” he noted.
Deputy Minister Bejda besides said that aircraft of this kind will carry in the Polish Army the nickname “Husrz”. – Historically, Polish Hussars were 1 of the most effective formations on the battlefield. I look forward to seeing the plane behind me, and I look forward to seeing this circumstantial safety guarantor in the Polish sky. He added that another European countries besides decided to get fighters, which would affect the interoperability of troops. "A fewer 100 European F-35s will make a force that no opponent, no aggressor, can resist. We can be arrogant that our F-35 aircraft will be part of it," he stressed.
The fact that the alliance between Poland and the United States has always remained "unrelented", said Deputy Minister of National Defence Cezary Tomczyk in Texas. “We are highly arrogant that Polish armed forces become part of the elite and joined the large F-35 family,” he said. He said it was the best fighter in the world. “This is why we request it,” he stressed. Deputy Minister Tomczyk besides said that Poland is the only country bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. – To keep our borders unchanged, we request the best equipment, the best capabilities and best friends. It was you who turned to allies. He added that behind the rudders of F-35 fighters will be those who have piloted F-16 so far. – This is the best plane, now we combine it with the best of the best," he stressed.
The symbolic deed of ownership of the first Polish F-35 fighter at the hands of Greg Ulmer, president of Lockheed Martin, aircraft manufacturer, was received by Gen. Dyw. Pil. Ireneusz Nowak, Air Force Inspector. This is simply a large time. Can you imagine a better gift (on the occasion of the vacation – ed.) than this plane? – he asked rhetorically during the ceremony. The general besides noted that the Polish air force had come a very long way to replace post-Soviet aircraft equipment manufactured by Lockheed Martin. The F-35 will end this transformation. We'll be able to quit all post-Soviet fighters. This aircraft will be a large origin not only for Polish, but besides for regional safety – he emphasized. He besides addressed Polish pilots, who will shortly sit from F-16 to F-35. “We have it!” he said. He besides pointed out that now, from engagement and sacrifice of airmen, he would depend on future success. - I want you luck, just as many takeoffs as landings and so you don't gotta usage this plane in a real fight. Let us usage him only to scare away," he said.
Mike Brzeziński, Ambassador of the United States to Poland, recalled that both countries share a common history, community of values and awareness of work for the future. "What happened here present is simply a symbol of the merger of our countries," he said. He added that Poland, which remembers the inactive hard time of planet War II, present borders Ukraine, in which the war is taking place. Poland must be able to defend itself. And thanks to this weaponry, he is able to do so – he emphasized.
Greg Ulmer, president of Lockheed Martin, pointed out that cooperation between the company and the Polish Army began almost 20 years ago erstwhile Polish air force acquired F-16 fighters. – Husar is simply a powerful symbol, and the F-35 is simply a powerful tool that scares and fights threats. These planes will aid the strong leadership of Poland in NATO," he noted. “The transportation of 5th generation aircraft to Poland is an honour for us,” he stressed.
And why are F-35 fighters so special? Aeroplanes are characterized by reduced detection, advanced maneuverability, the ability to operate in a network-centric environment, as well as the combination of data obtained from their own and external sensors and the creation of a uniform tactical image based on them. The acquisition of 32 machines is simply a breakthrough event for Polish air forces. The 5th generation aircraft will bring large opportunities – especially erstwhile it comes to conducting operations behind enemy lines.
It is popular to say that the aircraft is "invisible to radars", but it is simply a small more complicated. This "invisibility" is due to stealth technology – peculiar coatings that are covered by an aircraft that absorb the radiation of the enemy's radar alternatively of reflecting them. This allows the aircraft to operate unnoticed. But that's not all. The device has respective more unique features that make it considered a powerful weapon. Experts exchange, among others, radar with an active scan antenna AESA and sensors that can work in infrared or collect data on electromagnetic radiation from various sources, not only anti-aircraft kits, but besides ship radars or terrestrial opponents. The F-35 strategy organizes all this information and provides the pilot with precisely what he needs. As a result, he no longer has to survey the obtained data. The device does it for him. The data collected by the aircraft will not only be utilized by fighters. An highly crucial feature of F-35 aircraft is that they can cooperate with another combat participants. The information obtained by the fighter will so be utilized by ships, helicopters, command post, JTACs and 4th generation aircraft.
Download agreement for Polish Army fighters F-35 was signed in January 2020. What do we get for $4.6 billion? In addition to thirty-two aircraft and 1 Pratt & Whitney F135 spare engine, the contract provides for the transportation of: aircraft ground handling equipment and equipment; a stationary training strategy consisting, among others, of 8 Mission Simulator (Full Mission Simulator); a logistics package; radio-electronic combat and weaponry equipment; an electronic aircraft operation management strategy F-35A Lightning II.
The agreement besides assumes that the Americans will train 24 pilots in their training centres so that they can be instructors for another Polish soldiers already in the country. In the United States, he is besides to undergo training of ninety method personnel. The contract besides includes clauses related to the modernisation of machines during their usage by the Polish Army.
In the coming months, pilots will be flown to the US, who will be the first to undergo training on F-35 aircraft. Interestingly, they will usage Polish machines. They will most likely become instructors and train further Polish airmen. In Poland, the first machines will land in 2026. They will be stationed at 32th Tactical Aviation Base in Łask and 21st Tactical Aviation Base in Świdwin.
