Poland and Lockheed Martin Celebrate Debut of Poland's First F-35A "Husarz"

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Lockheed Martin unveiled Poland's first F-35A Lightning II, named 'Husarz', at a ceremony in Fort Worth, Texas. This marks a significant milestone for the Polish Air Force and strengthens the U.S.-Poland alliance. Poland will receive 32 F-35As, with the first delivery scheduled for December 2024. The aircraft will be based at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Arkansas, where Poland will be the first international customer to conduct F-35 pilot training.

The F-35 is described as the NATO aircraft of choice, enhancing Poland's leadership in the alliance and improving interoperability with allies. To date, Lockheed Martin has delivered over 1,000 F-35s globally, trained more than 2,540 pilots and 16,690 maintainers, with the F-35 fleet surpassing 889,000 cumulative flight hours.

FORT WORTH, Texas, Aug. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) presented Poland's first F-35A Lightning II to the Polish government during a rollout ceremony at Lockheed Martin's F-35 production facility. This event marks a significant milestone in the Polish Air Force's history and strengthens the alliance between the United States and Poland, a key NATO ally.  

"Over more than 100-years of the Polish Air Force, there have been many generations of pilots and aircraft. I am proud to be part of history today, introducing the F-35 as the next generation, which will protect and defend Poland's future for many years. We are joining a strong coalition of 5^th generation fighters across Europe, bolstering air superiority through allied deterrence," said Major General Ireneusz Nowak, Inspector of Polish Air Force.

As the most advanced 21st Century Security® solution, the F-35 is the NATO aircraft of choice and will help extend Poland's strong leadership in NATO through investment in military modernization and enhanced participation in foreign missions. Poland is one of several NATO nations to invest in the allied deterrence of the F-35. With its unmatched interoperability, Poland's F-35s, named "Husarz" to pay homage to a calvary unit from the country's military past, will connect assets across domains to increase situational awareness for Poland and its key European partners.

"As the NATO aircraft of choice, the F-35 is a powerful force multiplier and critical to deterring and defeating threats for Poland and its allies," said Greg Ulmer, president, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. "We are honored to strengthen our enduring partnership with Poland through today's celebration, ensuring Polish national security and long-term capability development for decades to come."  

Senior government and military leaders from Poland and the United States attended the ceremony to celebrate Poland's first of 32 F-35As per its program of record. The first aircraft, designated AZ-01, will be delivered to the Polish Air Force in December and will be based at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Arkansas, where Poland will be the first international customer to conduct F-35 pilot training.

F-35s are now operating from 32 bases worldwide. To date, Lockheed Martin has delivered more than 1,000 F-35s, trained more than 2,540 pilots and 16,690 maintainers, and the F-35 fleet has surpassed 889,000 cumulative flight hours. Lockheed Martin continues to work side by side with F-35 operators to ensure allies remain ahead of the evolving threat. 

About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at Lockheedmartin.com.

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SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics

FAQ

When will Poland receive its first F-35A fighter jet (LMT)?

Poland will receive its first F-35A fighter jet in December 2024, according to the press release from Lockheed Martin (LMT).

How many F-35A aircraft has Poland ordered from Lockheed Martin (LMT)?

Poland has ordered 32 F-35A Lightning II aircraft from Lockheed Martin (LMT) as part of its program of record.

Where will Polish pilots train on the F-35A (LMT)?

Polish pilots will train on the F-35A at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas, making Poland the first international customer to conduct F-35 pilot training at this location.

What is the nickname given to Poland's F-35A fighters (LMT)?

Poland's F-35A fighters are nicknamed 'Husarz', paying homage to a cavalry unit from the country's military past.

How many F-35 aircraft has Lockheed Martin (LMT) delivered globally as of August 2024?

As of August 2024, Lockheed Martin (LMT) has delivered more than 1,000 F-35 aircraft globally.