Poland advances F‑35 fighter jet program, eyes NATO nuclear sharing

Poland is expanding its air force with a purchase of 32 F‑35 Lightning II jets valued at about $4.6 billion. The first aircraft were delivered in November 2024, with the full fleet expected by 2029. Two squadrons will be based at modernised airfields in Łask and Świdwin, allowing the jets to operate with low radar visibility and deep‑strike capability.

General Roman Polko says the acquisition demonstrates U.S. trust in Poland, strengthens the country's role on NATO’s eastern flank, and opens the possibility of participating in NATO’s nuclear‑sharing programme, whereby U.S. tactical nuclear weapons could be stored and delivered from Polish soil.