On 2 December 2024, Sily Powietrzne RP (Polish Air Force) F-35A Lightning II 3502 (c/n AZ-02) succesfully made its first flight from Lockheed's F-35 production facility at NAS Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth (TX).Poland is acquiring 32 F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft under a contract signed in early 2020, valued at USD 4.6 billion. The deal includes a full mission trainer, pilot training, logistics, support, and a comprehensive range of equipment to support the aircraft. The first F-35A 'Husarz', serial number 3501, was officially unveiled during a rollout ceremony at Fort Worth on 28 August 2024.[continua]
Poland has signed off on a $310 million purchase of MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones from General Atomics.Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, signed the documents on Dec. 12.While the agreement is the first purchase from Poland of the SkyGuardian — the name for General Atomics' Reaper — Warsaw has been operating similar drones since February 2023, when the country entered into a $70.6 million lease with General Atomics for MQ-9A Reapers.Warsaw didn't initially disclose the number of systems purchased, but a Monday press release from GA-ASI announced Poland purchased three MQ-9Bs and two Certifiable Ground Control Stations (CGCS), as well as three years of GA-ASI's SkyGuardian Global Support Solutions."This is a significant expense, but we are investing in the highest quality equipment," said Kosiniak-Kamysz. He stated that the plan is for deliveries by first quarter 2027, "However, we hope that this will happen sooner, which is what we are seeking from our proven partners."A GA-ASI representative stressed after ceremony, "It is possible that the delivery will be accelerated, because one of the first SkyGuardians intended for Poland has already been almost completed at the GA-ASI plant in San Diego.""This is an investment in Polish security and cooperation with a strategic partner — the United States. Poland is not only investing in the arms industry, but also strengthening economic relations with allies," Kosiniak-Kamysz added.[continua]
