Poland signed a contract for the supply of 32 F-35A fighters
Poland has finally signed an agreement with the United States to purchase 32 fifth-generation F-35 fighter-bombers. The signing ceremony took place at the air base in the area of Deblin. It is reported by the Ministry of National Defense of Poland.
According to the report, the signing of the agreement was attended by Polish President Andrzej Duda, Prime Minister Mateusz Moravecki and Minister of National Defense Mariusz Blaszczak.
The contract value amounted to $ 4,6 billion, in addition to supplying the aircraft themselves, each of which cost Poland $ 87 million, it includes training for Polish pilots, the supply of flight simulators, as well as logistics support. Pilot training will begin in 2024, it will take place in the United States, Poland will receive the first F-35s in 2026.
As previously reported, in September last year, the US Congress approved the sale to Poland of 32 F-35A fighters. The preliminary cost of the order was $ 6,5 billion, but Warsaw apparently managed to lower the cost of the contract during the negotiations.
According to the statement of the Polish Minister of Defense, the acquisition of fifth-generation F-35 aircraft will enhance the combat capabilities of F-16 aircraft and completely get rid of "worn-out Soviet aircraft without combat value." We are talking about the MiG-29 and Su-22 standing in service with the Polish Air Force.
To date, the Polish Air Force has 27 MiG-29s, as well as 48 F-16s and 18 Su-22s.
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