Poland boosts air, drone, and anti‑drone capabilities

Timeline

1. 3 days ago

   [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources

   Poland Enhances Defense Capabilities with Upgraded Aerodynamic Tunnel and Ukraine Drone Collaboration

   Poland’s Łukasiewicz Institute upgraded its T3 aerodynamic tunnel with 105 m PLN KPO funding to back defence, UAV and space projects, while the Polish Defence Group is assessing cooperation with Ukrainian drone

2. 7 days ago

   [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources

   Poland develops laser and thermal‑imaging systems to counter drones

   Poland is funding a laser‑based anti‑drone weapon and a startup’s advanced thermal‑imaging UAV system to boost defence and critical‑infrastructure security.

3. 10 days ago

   [TECHNOLOGY] 4 sources

   Polish F-35A completes first test flight from Italy's Cameri plant

   Poland's first F‑35A, assembled in Italy's Cameri facility, made its maiden test flight, marking progress in the $4.6 bn contract for 32 aircraft.

4. 17 days ago

   [BUSINESS] 9 sources

   Poland launches defence investment fund to boost security projects

   Poland’s PKO Bank projects defence spending could add 1.3 trn PLN to GDP, while the new 23 bn PLN Fund for Security and Defence opens applications for protective infrastructure and cyber‑security projects, with

5. 18 days ago

   [POLITICS] 2 sources

   UK and Poland confront F-35 deployment hurdles

   The UK will buy 12 F‑35A jets for an RAF conversion unit, while Poland faces a legal dispute over wind turbines that could block F‑35 training at Świdwin airbase.

6. 21 days ago

   [POLITICS] 2 sources

   Poland expands long‑range attack drone production amid border tensions

   Poland starts production of the Hornet long‑range attack drone, developed by Boryszew and the Air Force Institute, with speeds over 200 km/h and ranges up to 1,200 km; tests are ongoing and serial output awaits

7. 26 days ago

   [TECHNOLOGY] 3 sources

   Poland expands military drone companies and readies stealth Gladius 2 system

   Poland is adding new drone companies to its army and preparing the stealth Gladius 2 UAV system, set for a September 2026 defence expo, with ranges up to several hundred kilometres.

8. 27 days ago

   [BUSINESS] 9 sources

   Poland to Produce US‑Made Barracuda Long‑Range Missiles Locally

   Poland and US firm Anduril signed a deal to locally produce Barracuda‑500 cruise missiles in Bydgoszcz, aiming for thousands of low‑cost, 900 km‑range weapons per year.

9. about 1 month ago

   [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources

   Poland's Stalled Anti-Drone Program Forces NATO Fighter Use

   Poland halted a near‑finished anti‑drone program in 2020; Prof. Małachowski says this forced NATO fighter jets to intercept Russian drones in September 2025, costing billions and prompting calls for political‑m

10. about 1 month ago

    [POLITICS] 3 sources

    Poland's F-35 fleet faces operating costs up to €40,000 per flight hour

    Poland's new F‑35 fleet will cost up to €40,000 per flight hour, more than twice the expense of older jets, adding a heavy budget burden.

11. about 1 month ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources

    Polish firm Advanced Protection Systems develops drone‑neutralising technology for NATO

    Advanced Protection Systems, a Polish firm founded by Maciej Klemm and Radosław Piesiewicz, creates drone‑detection and neutralisation systems to protect Poland and NATO’s eastern flank and aims to export the ‑

12. about 1 month ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources

    Poland boosts defense spending and launches laser procurement to counter drones

    Poland’s defence budget tops 80 bn zloty, driving fast‑track purchases and a new laser‑system tender to counter drones, with 20 firms offering up to 150 units for multiple platforms.

13. about 1 month ago

    [POLITICS] 3 sources

    Poland's Defense Modernization Faces Drone Production Bottlenecks and F‑35 Integration Hurdles

    Poland's defence modernization is slowed by limited drone production capacity and new F‑35 fighter acquisition that demands logistics, protection and industry support.

14. about 1 month ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 4 sources

    Defence.Hub aims to raise 8 million PLN to commercialise MACS anti‑drone system

    Defence.Hub seeks 8 million PLN to launch the MACS anti‑drone system, while Tytan Technologies and Rohde & Schwarz unveil new kinetic and non‑kinetic counter‑UAS solutions for Poland and broader European use.

15. about 1 month ago

    [POLITICS] 3 sources

    Poland moves forward with A330 MRTT tanker purchase for F‑35 fleet

    Poland is finalising a deal to buy up to four Airbus A330 MRTT aerial refuelling tankers, partly funded by the SAFE programme and national budget, to extend the range of its new F‑35 and modernised F‑16 jets, d

16. about 1 month ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources

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

    Poland accepted the last 2024 F‑35 delivery, bringing the Block 4 fighter into service; the nation plans to field all 32 jets by 2029 and may expand to 64, a move noted by Ukrainian analysts.

17. about 2 months ago

    [POLITICS] 5 sources

    Poland confirms extra F-35 jets and changes aircraft markings

    Poland will buy two more F-35 squadrons to total 64 jets by 2039, receive $4 bn US financing, and has switched the aircraft’s white‑red checkerboard to a low‑visibility gray pattern.

18. about 2 months ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources

    Poland's $4.6bn F-35 Order Raises Concerns Over U.S. Fighter Readiness

    Poland's $4.6bn order for 32 F‑35A fighters arrives as the U.S. says only 28.5% of its F‑35A fleet is fully combat‑ready, citing parts shortages and upgrade delays that could cost $13.7bn to fix.

19. about 2 months ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources

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

    Poland buys 32 F‑35 jets for $4.6 bn, to be based in Łask and Świdwin, enhancing NATO deterrence and enabling possible nuclear‑sharing participation, says Gen. Polko.

20. about 2 months ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources

    Poland commissions first F-35 'Husarz' fighters, boosting NATO air defense

    Poland introduced three F-35A 'Husarz' jets into service at Łask, beginning a planned 64‑jet fleet that strengthens NATO air defense on the eastern flank.

21. about 2 months ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 3 sources

    Poland becomes first NATO Eastern‑flank nation to receive F‑35 fighter jets

    Poland received its first three F‑35 jets, becoming the first NATO Eastern‑flank country to field the aircraft, with deliveries slated through 2030 and a new US $4 billion defense credit announced.

22. about 2 months ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources

    Poland receives first F‑35 fighter jets, landing at Łask air base

    Poland’s first F‑35 fighters landed at Łask base after a nation‑wide fly‑over, marking a $4.6 bn defence deal; a separate pilot stunt spelled “F‑35” in the sky.

23. about 2 months ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources

    Poland secures $4 billion US military financing for additional F‑35 fighter jets

    Poland receives a $4 billion U.S. loan under the FMF program, raising total support to nearly $20 billion and enabling further F‑35 purchases as part of its 2025‑2039 defence plan.

24. about 2 months ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 5 sources

    United States approves additional $4 billion military financing for Poland

    The US added $4 billion to Poland’s military financing under FMF, raising total aid to $20 billion, as President Karol Nawrocki visits Washington to discuss NATO troop presence and related issues.

25. about 2 months ago

    [POLITICS] 4 sources

    Poland inducts first F‑35A “Husarz” fighters into Air Force

    Poland officially commissioned three F‑35A “Husarz” fighters, pledging a total of 32 jets to boost NATO’s eastern flank and signal strength to Russia.

26. about 2 months ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 8 sources

    Poland inducts first F-35 fighters, eyes fleet expansion

    Poland accepted its first three F‑35A jets, named “Husarz,” and announced plans for two more squadrons, strengthening NATO’s eastern flank.

27. about 2 months ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 11 sources

    Poland's F-35 jets officially enter service with ceremony in Łask

    Poland formally accepted its first three F‑35 “Husarz” jets at Łask, with presidential and U.S. officials present, marking a major NATO‑eastern‑flank boost; deliveries of 32 aircraft will continue through 2029.

28. about 2 months ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources

    Denmark's F‑35 Programme Faces $2.2 Billion Cost Overrun

    Denmark’s F‑35 purchase now costs $2.2 billion more than planned, prompting audit criticism; in Portugal, Lockheed touts the jet’s European components and seeks local industry involvement amid pending purchase決

29. about 2 months ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources

    Germany's first F-35A completes engine installation, moving toward delivery

    Germany’s first F-35A has had its Pratt & Whitney F135 engine installed, a key step toward final testing and delivery of the €8.4 billion, 35‑jet order that will replace Tornadoes and support NATO nuclear‑share

30. about 2 months ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources

    Poland receives first F-35 fighter jets, becoming first Eastern NATO member with fifth‑generation aircraft

    Poland welcomed its first three F‑35A fighters at Łask base on 22 May 2026, becoming the first Eastern NATO nation with fifth‑generation jets; a 32‑plane, $4.6 bn order will be fully operational by 2027.

31. about 2 months ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources

    Canada eyes expanded fighter fleet combining F‑35s and Swedish Gripen jets

    Canada is weighing a mixed fleet of F‑35s and Saab Gripen‑E jets, potentially expanding to 140 aircraft and linking the deal to Saab’s GlobalEye surveillance plane, amid military reservations and political ties

32. about 2 months ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources

    US Marine Corps retires final AV-8B Harrier squadron VMA-223

    The US Marine Corps retired VMA‑223’s AV‑8B Harrier II at Cherry Point, ending nearly 40 years of service, with the squadron set to transition to the F‑35B.

33. 2 months ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources

    US Marine Corps retires Harrier AV-8B, Spain to receive five jets

    The US Marine Corps retired its AV‑8B Harrier fleet in June, shifting to F‑35Bs, while Spain will obtain five former US Harriers to extend its own fleet’s service life.

34. 2 months ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources

    Canada Moves Toward Mixed Gripen‑F‑35 Fighter Fleet

    Canada may replace most of its planned F‑35s with a mixed fleet of ~60 Gripen jets and 30 F‑35As to cut costs, diversify suppliers, and grow its aerospace industry.

35. 2 months ago

    [POLITICS] 3 sources

    Portugal's Air Force Favors US F‑35 Over European Jets

    Portugal’s Air Force favors the US‑made F‑35 over European fighters for a €3‑5 bn purchase of 14‑28 jets; the decision remains pending political approval, with industry partners eyeing local cooperation.

36. 2 months ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources

    Poland’s F‑35 jets spark naming dispute and boost public confidence in defence policy

    Poland’s first F‑35s arrive, named “Husarz” officially but pilots prefer “Pantera”. A poll shows strong public support for defence policy, while the “Shield East” project strengthens the eastern border.

37. 2 months ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources

    UK F-35B completes first test flight with SPEAR 3 precision missile

    The UK and US successfully flew four SPEAR 3 precision strike missiles on a F‑35B at Patuxent River, marking a milestone toward full integration, with the jet eventually able to carry eight missiles.

38. 3 months ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources

    Poland's F‑35 Hangar Dispute and Belgium's Planned JSM Missile Purchase

    Poland faces criticism over F‑35 hangar materials while Belgium moves to buy JSM missiles for its F‑35 fleet.

39. 3 months ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 9 sources

    Germany expands Joint Strike Missile order for F‑35 fleet

    Germany signs a NOK 3.5 bn deal with Norway’s Kongsberg for more Joint Strike Missiles for its upcoming F‑35 fleet.

40. 3 months ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources

    Israel contracts Elbit to add external fuel tanks to F‑35I, extending range

    Israel orders $34 M external fuel tanks for its F‑35I, boosting range to about 2,100 km and enhancing long‑range strike capability.

41. 3 months ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources

    United States Begins $1 B Electronic Warfare Upgrade for F‑35 Fighter Jets

    The U.S. approved a $991 M contract for 432 Block 4 electronic‑warfare upgrades to F‑35 jets, covering U.S. forces and allies.

42. 3 months ago

    [POLITICS] 3 sources

    Portugal weighs F-35 acquisition as Lockheed Martin offers component production

    Lockheed says it can produce F-35 parts in Portugal and awaits a government request for a €5.5 bn purchase to replace F‑16s.

43. 3 months ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources

    UK approves Small Diameter Bomb II purchase for F‑35 fleet

    UK MoD approves purchase of Small Diameter Bomb II to equip F‑35s until SPEAR‑3 is ready.

44. 3 months ago

    [POLITICS] 7 sources

    Israel signs $34 M deal to add external fuel tanks to F-35I jets

    Israel signs $34 M contract with Elbit’s Cyclone to add external fuel tanks to F‑35I jets, boosting range amid war with Iran.

45. 3 months ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 5 sources

    Poland readies Łask air base for first F-35 fighter jets

    Poland's Łask base certified for F‑35s; first jets arrive late May, boosting its NATO‑aligned air defence.

46. 3 months ago

    [POLITICS] 3 sources

    Canada pauses F-35 purchase, weighs Saab Gripen as alternative

    Canada trims F‑35 order to 16, considers Saab Gripen E for cost, data sovereignty and job gains, while eyeing a mixed fleet.

47. 3 months ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 3 sources

    US Marine Corps shifts to F-35, ends F/A-18 Hornet maintenance roles

    US Marine Corps ends F/A-18 Hornet maintenance jobs as it fully adopts the F-35, showcased at a 2026 air show.

48. 3 months ago

    [POLITICS] 6 sources

    Belgium secures up to $3.7 billion US missile deal for F‑35 fleet

    Belgium seeks US approval for a $3.7 billion AMRAAM missile purchase to arm F‑35s and air‑defence.

49. 3 months ago

    [POLITICS] 3 sources

    Poland advances F‑35 acquisition while F‑16 upgrades lag behind Greece

    Poland will receive 32 F‑35 jets by 2029 while its 47‑plane F‑16 upgrade won’t finish until 2038, lagging Greece’s faster programme.

50. 3 months ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources

    Canada reviews plan to buy 88 F-35 jets, defence minister says

    Canada continues review of a multibillion-dollar plan to buy 88 F-35s from the US, with a Quebec-based Lockheed Martin offer to dispel doubts.