# Poland expands F-35 fleet and anti-drone capabilities

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/allied-nations-accelerate-f35-and-support-aircraft-procurement-in-2026
> Updated: 2026-08-10T20:57:31.000Z. Sources: 114. Developments: 33.

Poland’s defence modernisation continues to broaden its aerial and unmanned-system portfolio. Building on the $4.6 billion F-35 programme, the country received its first three “Husarz” fighters at Łask in May 2026. Subsequent ceremonies in June confirmed delivery of the initial batch and a plan to acquire up to 64 jets. The United States added a further $4 billion in foreign-military financing, raising total FMF support to about $20 billion for F-35s, HIMARS, Patriot batteries, Abrams tanks and Apache helicopters.

Anti-drone and unmanned technology efforts have accelerated. The Military University of Technology (WAT) is developing the Autonomous System of Laser Weapon (ASBL) under the PERUN programme. This mobile unit, capable of neutralising drones within 1.5 km, is expected to enter full production between 2032 and 2035. Additionally, the Polish Defence Group (PGZ) is expanding cooperation with Ukrainian companies to develop production and servicing capabilities for UAVs, maritime unmanned platforms, and missile systems. To support these technical advancements, the Łukasiewicz Research Network’s Institute of Aviation (ILOT) modernised its T3 aerodynamic tunnel using 105 million PLN from the National Recovery Plan.

On the battlefield, the military is testing practical adaptations, such as protective cages and spatial shields to counter FPV drones. These tests coincide with intensifying domestic debates regarding mobilization readiness. Some political and military figures have advocated for unannounced readiness tests and trial mobilizations of specific brigades to identify logistical bottlenecks and ensure true preparedness.

Poland also moved forward on long-range strike assets, signing a deal with Anduril to produce SL Barracuda-500M cruise missiles domestically and initiating production of the Hornet long-range attack drone.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-10: Polish military tests drone defenses and mobilization readiness

Poland is testing drone countermeasures and debating the necessity of unannounced mobilization drills to ensure real-world military readiness following lessons from the war in Ukraine.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/polish-military-tests-drone-defenses-and-mobilization-readiness

### 2026-08-03: Poland advances autonomous anti‑drone laser weapon system

Poland’s ASBL laser system, funded by a 33 M zł Perun grant, will target drones up to 1.5 km away, cost ~100 zł per shot, and be ready for production by 2032‑35.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poland-advances-autonomous-antidrone-laser-weapon-system

### 2026-07-30: 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 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poland-enhances-defense-capabilities-with-upgraded-aerodynamic-tunnel-and-ukraine-drone-collaboratio

### 2026-07-26: 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.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poland-develops-laser-and-thermalimaging-systems-to-counter-drones

### 2026-07-23: 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 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/polish-f-35a-completes-first-test-flight-from-italys-cameri-plant

### 2026-07-16: 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

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poland-launches-defence-investment-fund-to-boost-security-projects

### 2026-07-15: 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.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-and-poland-confront-f-35-deployment-hurdles

### 2026-07-12: 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

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poland-expands-longrange-attack-drone-production-amid-border-tensions

### 2026-07-07: 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.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poland-expands-military-drone-companies-and-readies-stealth-gladius-2-system

### 2026-07-06: 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 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poland-signs-deal-with-anduril-to-produce-barracuda-missiles-in-bydgoszcz

### 2026-07-03: 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

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/polands-stalled-anti-drone-program-forces-nato-fighter-use

### 2026-06-30: 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.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/polands-f-35-fleet-faces-operating-costs-up-to-40000-per-flight-hour

### 2026-06-29: 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 ‑

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/polish-firm-advanced-protection-systems-develops-droneneutralising-technology-for-nato

### 2026-06-27: 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.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poland-boosts-defense-spending-and-launches-laser-procurement-to-counter-drones

### 2026-06-24: 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.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/polands-defense-modernization-faces-drone-production-bottlenecks-and-f35-integration-hurdles

### 2026-06-24: 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.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/polish-defence-firms-defencehub-and-forcepol-advance-antidrone-capabilities

### 2026-06-23: 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

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poland-to-acquire-airbus-a330-mrtt-tankers-for-f35-fleet

### 2026-06-20: 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.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poland-receives-final-2024-f35-fighter-jet-as-delivery-programme-advances

### 2026-06-15: 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.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poland-confirms-extra-f-35-jets-and-changes-aircraft-markings

### 2026-06-13: 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.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poland-advances-f35-fighter-jet-program-eyes-nato-nuclear-sharing

### 2026-06-13: 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.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poland-commissions-first-f-35-husarz-fighters-boosting-nato-air-defense

### 2026-06-12: 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.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poland-becomes-first-nato-easternflank-nation-to-receive-f35-fighter-jets

### 2026-06-12: 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.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poland-receives-first-f35-fighter-jets-landing-at-ask-air-base

### 2026-06-12: 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.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poland-secures-4-billion-us-military-financing-for-additional-f35-fighter-jets

### 2026-06-12: 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.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-approves-additional-4-billion-military-financing-for-poland

### 2026-06-12: 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.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poland-commissions-first-f35-husarz-fighters-bolstering-nato-eastern-flank

### 2026-06-12: 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.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poland-commissions-first-f-35-lightning-ii-jets-in-46-bn-defence-boost

### 2026-06-10: 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.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poland-inducts-f-35-lightning-ii-jets-into-its-air-force

### 2026-06-05: 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.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poland-receives-first-f-35-fighter-jets-becoming-first-eastern-nato-member-with-fifthgeneration-airc

### 2026-05-25: 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.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/polands-f35-jets-spark-naming-dispute-and-boost-public-confidence-in-defence-policy

### 2026-05-19: 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.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/polands-f35-hangar-dispute-and-belgiums-planned-jsm-missile-purchase

### 2026-05-13: 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.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poland-readies-ask-air-base-for-first-f-35-fighter-jets

### 2026-05-08: 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.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poland-advances-f35-acquisition-while-f16-upgrades-lag-behind-greece

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Cite as: Poland expands F-35 fleet and anti-drone capabilities. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/allied-nations-accelerate-f35-and-support-aircraft-procurement-in-2026