Poland faces military aviation personnel shortage

The Polish military is facing a significant personnel challenge in its aviation sector as it prepares to integrate new aircraft, including F-35 fighters, FA-50 light combat aircraft, and AH-64E Apache attack helicopters. This modernization requires hundreds of new pilots and technical staff to maintain operational readiness.

Despite the growing need, the Air Force Aviation University in Dęblin is reducing its intake of candidates. Enrollment is projected to drop from 350 candidates in the 2024/2025 academic year to 213 by 2026/2027. While interest remains high, with 1,200 to 1,400 applicants annually, the academy is limited by a lack of positions, instructors, and training aircraft.

Experts note that reaching full combat readiness can take up to 10 years in Poland, partly due to the requirement for master's level degrees, whereas Western models often complete training in three years. Former Air Force Inspector General Tomasz Drewniak has suggested reforms such as increased simulator use and earlier talent identification to address these systemic constraints.