US and Polish Pilots Unite at NATO’s Frontline
LASK, Poland — American and Polish forces are gearing up for a stronger military presence at Poland’s 32nd Tactical Air Base. According to Polish Deputy Defense Minister Paweł Zalewski, Poland is set to welcome its first F-35 fighter jets “very, very soon.” This development comes as the country boosts its military capabilities amidst ongoing concerns in the region.
The base in Lask is busy preparing for the arrival of these advanced jets, part of a $4.6 billion deal for 32 F-35s from Lockheed Martin. While the jets have not yet arrived, the partnership between the U.S. and Poland is evident, with personnel from both nations training and operating together.
The strong military relationship reflects Poland’s increasing defense measures, particularly due to perceived threats from Russia. Lt. Col. Pete Nanoslawski, stationed in Poland for five years, noted the depth of cooperation as Poland modernizes its military. “The support we receive from Polish logistics significantly enhances our capabilities,” he said.
The camaraderie between the two nations is palpable, as Polish commanders often interact casually with their American counterparts. “We speak the same language, just with different accents,” said Col. Krzysztof Duda, commander of the base. He humorously added, “Even if we wanted a divorce, we wouldn’t.”
Nanoslawski emphasized that the U.S. presence supports quick adjustments and maneuvers in the region. With the expected arrival of the F-35s, Poland’s air power will significantly improve. Duda remarked that training F-35 pilots is a costly and lengthy process, with an estimated cost of $55 million per pilot.
The infrastructure at the Lask base is also undergoing upgrades to support the new aircraft, meeting American standards. Zalewski confirmed that the arrival of the first F-35 is imminent.
As tensions with Russia persist, Polish military leaders acknowledge the historical context of their defensive posture. Many officers remember living under communism, fueling a strong desire to prevent any similar scenarios. “We have this intuition probably written in our DNA,” said Lt. Col. “Shooter,” a Polish F-16 pilot. He expressed the need for deterrence in light of Russia’s actions in various regions.
Polish pilots began F-35 training in the U.S. in 2024, with the first flight by a Polish pilot already completed. Lockheed Martin stated that integrating the F-35 into Poland’s military enhances regional security and serves as a deterrent against potential threats.
Preparations are in full swing for a celebration this June to mark Poland’s first F-35 jets arriving on home soil, symbolizing a new chapter in its military capabilities.
