The modernization of Polish air force has gained momentum. In just a fewer years, we will increase our resources primarily with the most modern 5th generation fighters, but another platforms are not insignificant. The FA-50 will replace the utilized MiG-29 aircraft, and the Saabs will let detection of objects from large distances.
Hussar enters the game
Decision to acquisition F-35 aircraft is groundbreaking for Polish air force, and the appearance of these fighters will bring this kind of troops into a completely fresh dimension. The 5th generation fighter offers immense opportunities – especially erstwhile it comes to conducting operations behind enemy lines. Because, as you say in common, F-35 is invisible to abroad troops. This “invisibility” is due to stealth technology. The aircraft is covered with peculiar coatings that absorb the radiation of the enemy's radars alternatively of reflecting them. This allows the device to operate unnoticed. However, that is not all, due to the fact that the aircraft has respective more unique features that make it considered a powerful weapon. Experts exchange, among others, radar with actively scanned AESA antenna, which sends and receives radio waves at various frequencies. The beam can be directed in different directions, and the antenna does not request to change its position.
The F-35 is besides equipped with sensors that can work in infrared or collect data on electromagnetic radiation from various sources, not only from anti-aircraft kits, but besides from ship radars or enemy ground radars. The fighter strategy collects all this information, organizes and delivers precisely what it needs to the pilot. As a result, he no longer has to survey the information obtained. The strategy does it for him. What is highly important, the data collected by the aircraft is not only utilized by fighters, due to the fact that the F-35 can cooperate with another combat participants. The information obtained by the fighter is so utilized by ships, helicopters, command stations, JTACs (aircraft guidance personnel) and 4th generation aircraft.
– The F-35 will increase our defence capabilities and the weight of the Polish armed forces on the global phase – he says Gen. Dyw. Ireneusz Nowak, Air Force Inspector. The first 2 of 32 machines ordered by Poland were presented on 28 August 2024, at the Lockheed Martin mill in the United States. In Poland, the 32th Tactical Aviation Base in Łasko will appear in 2026 – where the construction of infrastructure is already underway – and 21th Tactical Aviation Base in Świdwin.
New chapter in Minsk
Polish pilots have been available for respective months FA-50 aircraft. It is 12 machines in the standard in which the Koreans built them for their own needs. Another 36 copies will be created in the FA-50PL version, which assumes, among others, their equipment with AESA radars and Sniper sights. With respect to aircraft armament, the FA-50 can carry air-to-air missiles of kind AIM-9 L/M Sidewinder and air-to-ground rocket AGM-65 Maverick as well as aircraft bombs of various types. He's besides armed with a 20-millimeter cannon. In a version upgraded to the FA-50 PL standard, it will be able to carry AIM-9X missiles – the same as in the F-16 and F-35, integrated with the JHMCS wheel sights.
The FA-50 are stationed at the 23rd Tactical Aviation Base in Minsk Mazowiecki, where pilots trained in South Korea fly on them. Now, under the guidance of Korean instructors, they improve their skills in Poland. More people will be flying to Korea soon. Airmen are waiting for the first FA-50 aircraft on duty, but they will start in 2 years at the earliest. Gen. Dyw. Ireneusz Nowak emphasizes that specified abilities cannot be achieved overnight. Don't anticipate us to be ready for combat work a fewer months after we've taken the planes. This takes time, preparation and certification," says the Air Force Inspector.
We can see more.
An crucial event for Polish air forces was the appearance of Saab 340 AEW reconnaissance aircraft. So far, exploratory tasks have been conducted for Polish aviation by platforms of allied countries, including Turkish and American and Natovian AWACS. The contract for the acquisition of Saab 340 AEW machines utilized by the Swedish army was signed in 2023, with a value of EUR 52 million. With the radar PS-890 Erieye, these early informing platforms can detect from a long distance and then track objects both at sea and in the air. Ships and ships crews track from 370 km, aircraft from about 320 km, and yet missiles maneuvering from almost 200 km. At the same time, it is able to observe 1,000 marine and 500 aircraft objects.
The purchased aircraft were delivered to Poland in June 2024. However, this is simply a bridge solution. – Saab is fulfilling his tasks today, but there is no possible for modernization in the 30 years. Therefore, yet we request to think about a platform that will service decades – says Gen. Dyw. Ireneusz Nowak.
Polish airmen train to operate Saab 340 AEW aircraft. The first had already completed the course, and in early August 2024 Deputy Minister Paweł Bejda handed them certificates. During his visit to the 43rd Naval Aviation Base, where these machines are stationed, the Deputy Minister stressed that they would be part of the full strategy of designation of the Polish army being built. “In addition to Saab’s aircraft, Barbara’s aerostats, satellite systems, and Delfin’s electronic reconnaissance ships,” said Paweł Bejda.
With the acquisition of modern aircraft, the Polish air force becomes an increasingly crucial component of NATO's safety system. The modernization of aviation is besides a boost of energy and motivation for pilots who flew on post-Soviet machines. Now they'll have the most modern aircraft available. – Building the air force we dream of will continue, but the direction we choose is clear, and the velocity of change promising – is assured by General Ireneusz Nowak.
