Poland receives final 2024 F‑35 fighter jet as delivery programme advances

Poland's armed forces accepted the last F‑35 Lightning II of the 2024 delivery batch, aircraft number 14, during a test flight at Lockheed Martin's facility in Fort Worth, Texas. The jet, part of the Block 4 modernisation, was photographed by a spotter as it took off for manufacturer‑run trials before being handed over to Polish pilots.

Poland has ordered 32 F‑35A fighters in total, with three already stationed at the 32nd Tactical Air Base in Łask. Deliveries are scheduled to bring 14 aircraft into service by the end of 2026, another 12 in 2027, and the full fleet by 2029. Ukrainian analysts have highlighted the acquisition, noting its strategic significance for the region and Poland's plan to eventually procure up to 64 jets under its 2025‑2039 defence development programme.

The procurement, valued at roughly $4.6 billion, marks Poland as the first country in its region to operate the advanced fifth‑generation fighter, with neighbouring NATO members Germany and the Czech Republic also pursuing the aircraft.