SouthernWorldwide.com – The partnership between Polish and American military personnel is already in full swing, even before the arrival of the most advanced fighter jets.
Polish and American forces are actively training, operating, and in some instances, stationed together at a shared base. This close collaboration underscores the exceptionally strong military ties between Warsaw and Washington, particularly at a time when NATO’s burden-sharing arrangements are under significant political scrutiny.
One official highlighted the substantial support provided by Poland, stating, “We are experiencing incredible support from Polish-provided logistics support and Polish-provided infrastructure.” This sentiment was echoed by Polish commanders on the base.
The official further elaborated that Poland’s significant investments in American military systems and its active participation in joint operations clearly demonstrate Warsaw’s serious approach to perceived threats from Russia. The demand for American military equipment from Poland is described as “insatiable, and rightfully so.”
The deep camaraderie between the two militaries was evident throughout the visit. Polish commanders frequently engaged with their American counterparts, displaying a familiarity that transcended the typical language of alliance cooperation.
One Polish official, who received his education in the United States and attended the U.S. Air War College, proudly referred to himself as “a child of the American education system.”
Expressing the strength of their bond, the official humorously stated, “The marriage we have with the U.S. on the military level, even if you want to divorce, we would not,” adding, “But we don’t want the divorce.”
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The American presence in Poland is noted for providing “enhanced forward presence and the ability to maneuver and adjust rapidly.”
This robust partnership is now set to enter a new and significant phase with the integration of the state-of-the-art U.S.-made F-35 fighter jet into Poland’s air force inventory.
In 2020, Poland finalized an agreement valued at $4.6 billion to acquire 32 F-35A fighter jets manufactured by Lockheed Martin.
The official overseeing the F-35 integration process at Lask explained that this transition is a multi-year endeavor, encompassing extensive pilot training, crucial infrastructure upgrades, and close coordination with the United States.
The training required to become an F-35 pilot is not only a protracted process but also a remarkably expensive one. Estimates suggest that the cost per pilot can reach approximately $55 million.
The base itself has undergone substantial modernization to accommodate the new aircraft. This includes the development of new operational infrastructure, advanced maintenance systems, and specialized classified facilities that meet stringent American certification standards.
The F-35 is lauded for providing “very, very important capabilities, so it offers domination in the air. That is crucial in the battlefield nowadays,” the official added. “It will be a capability developed together with Americans.”
Amidst ongoing discussions in Washington regarding NATO’s burden-sharing, Poland has distinguished itself as one of the alliance’s most committed military partners. The nation has significantly increased its defense spending, actively procured American weaponry, and generously hosted U.S. forces.
For many Polish military personnel, the perceived threat from Russia is a deeply personal concern.
One individual noted, “There are still people that lived in communism. We remember, and we don’t want anything like that to happen again.”
Observing Russia’s past actions in regions like Chechnya, Georgia, Crimea, and Ukraine, Poland firmly believes that deterrence is paramount.
“We have this intuition probably written in our DNA,” another observer commented. “When they are doing something, they’re not going to stop unless the cost of the further operation is going to be more than what they’re going to gain.”
According to the U.S. Air Force, Polish pilots commenced their F-35 training in the United States in 2024. This training has included sessions at the Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas. In February, the 33rd Fighter Wing announced that a Polish pilot had successfully completed the inaugural flight on Poland’s new F-35A aircraft as part of this training program.
A spokesperson for the manufacturer stated, “As seen in recent combat and air policing operations, the F-35 is actively helping defend NATO and allied airspace by deterring and defeating threats, and it will protect Poland’s national security for decades to come.”
The company also confirmed that preparations are well underway for Poland’s first F-35 arrival celebration, which is scheduled to take place at Lask in June.
