Lockheed Martin has started constructing the inaugural fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II fighter for the Polish Air Force. Nevertheless, there will be a slight delay in the delivery process.
The initial plane is being manufactured at Lockheed Martin’s factory situated in Georgia. Subsequently, it will be sent to a facility located in Fort Worth, Texas, where wings will be attached. In 2024, Lockheed Martin is set to manufacture the first fighters for the Polish Air Force. Nonetheless, the aircraft will stay in the United States for training reasons.
Originally, two out of six fifth-generation fighters were scheduled to arrive in Poland from March to June 2026, with an additional four during the first half of 2027. However, it has come to light that the initial aircraft will only arrive in November and December 2026, whereas the remaining planes will be transported towards the end of 2027.
It is worth mentioning that in 2021, Poland signed a deal worth $4.6 billion to procure 32 F-35A Lightning II fighters.
The first planes will be stationed at the airbase situated in Lask.