Fighter aviation of Poland

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Fighter aviation of Poland

The Polish Air Force is currently undergoing a reorganization and modernization. In the near future, Soviet-made combat aircraft will be decommissioned and replaced by modernized F-16C/D Jastrząb fighters, South Korean-made FA-50 Golden Eagle light supersonic aircraft, and 5th-generation F-35A Lightning II fighters.

MiG-29 fighters


After the end of the Cold War, the Polish fighter aviation was significantly reduced. The last MiG-23MFs were decommissioned in 1999, and the MiG-21bis served until 2003. After that, of the aircraft capable of intercepting and conducting close maneuverable air combat, only the MiG-29 remained in service.




One of the first MiG-29A fighters of the Polish Air Force

The first fighters of this type arrived in Poland in mid-1989. These were four single-seat MiG-29A variant 9.12A and three combat-training MiG-29UB variant 9.51, another five single-seat fighters were delivered in October 1990. All single-seat and two-seat MiG-29s were assigned to one squadron of the 1st Fighter Aviation Regiment in Minsk-Mazowieckie, the other two squadrons continued to fly the MiG-21MF.

The MiG-29As supplied to Warsaw Pact allies were significantly superior in their combat and operational characteristics to all previously delivered Soviet-made fighters. Due to their high maneuverability and thrust-to-weight ratio, the MiG-29 had an advantage over all NATO fighters in close air combat in the 1980s and 1990s. For its time, the Fulcrum was equipped with fairly sophisticated avionics and carried six missiles air combat R-60MK and R-73 with a launch range of 10-30 km. Built-in armament - 30-mm cannon GSh-301. To combat an air enemy beyond direct visibility, the combat load could include two medium-range missiles R-27R with a semi-active radar homing head, capable of hitting air targets at a range of up to 60 km, which in turn made it possible to carry out tasks to intercept frontline and strategic bombers on distant approaches to protected objects. The N019 radar, installed on the export MiG-29A fighter, is capable of detecting a fighter-type target at a range of up to 85 km. In conditions of good visibility, the optical-location system records targets in the IR range at a range of up to 35 km. Information about the targets is displayed on the windshield.

It was planned that this 4th generation frontline fighter would replace the MiG-1990 and MiG-21 frontline interceptors in the Warsaw Pact air forces by the end of the 23s. However, due to the collapse of communist ideology and the disintegration of the USSR, these plans could not be realized, and deliveries of the MiG-29 to Eastern European countries ceased.

In the early 1990s, it became clear that it would not be possible to purchase new fighters in Russia due to financial constraints. At the same time, the Polish Air Force needed operational aircraft to replace the decommissioned MiG-21 and MiG-23 and to prevent unauthorized intrusion into its airspace. In 1995, a barter deal was concluded with the Czech Republic, during which, in exchange for 11 W-3 Sokół helicopters, Poland received 9 single-seat fighters and one twin-seat fighter.

In 2003, Poland received 22 MiG-29 aircraft from Germany. Including 18 single-seat MiG-29G and 4 two-seat MiG-29GT. Before transferring them to the Air Force, the fighters underwent refurbishment. Due to a shortage of spare parts, seven former German MiG-29s were dismantled for spare parts.

In 2003, Polish MiG-29s became the only type of fighter capable of effectively performing missions Defense, and they regularly took part in joint events with NATO aircraft. From January 1 to March 31, 2006, MiG-29s from the 1st Tactical Air Squadron, based at Zokniai Airport near Šiauliai, controlled the airspace of three Baltic states: Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. The Polish group included 4 aircraft and 6 pilots.

After two decades of service, the Polish MiG-29s had become quite worn out, and a number of key electronic systems no longer met modern requirements. A contract for the repair and modernization of the national air force fighters worth $44,5 million was signed with Aircraft Repair Plant No. 2 in Bydgoszcz in September 2011. The upgrade included 13 single-seat MiG-29A fighters and three two-seat MiG-29UBs.


The contract provided for the extension of the life of the MiG-29 fighters until 2028, increasing their combat capabilities and interoperability with the F-16C / D fighters.

During the modernization, the MiG-29 received new avionics, including MDP on-board computers, MIL-Std-1553В data buses, INSB-29, AVB-29 and HDB-29 interfaces, color multifunction displays and navigation systems with SAASM signal protection modules GPS from interference.

Replacing obsolete analog equipment with modern systems has increased reliability and reduced aircraft weight, thereby allowing for increased bomb load and fuel capacity.

Due to high cost and operational limitations, the planned rearmament of Polish MiGs with NATO-standard air-to-air missiles did not take place. To combat an air adversary, the modernized Polish MiG-29, as before, can carry two R-27R medium-range missiles with a semi-active radar homing head and six R-73 missiles with an IR homing head.


Despite their limited service life and considerable age, the MiG-29s regularly participated in close combat training with Polish F-16 fighters. For this purpose, the MiGs were relocated to the Krzesiny and Łask airfields, where fighter squadrons flying F-16 Jastrząb aircraft are permanently stationed. However, there is no information about the results of these training clashes in open sources.

According to reference data, as of the end of 2021, the Polish Air Force had 27 single-seat and two-seat MiG-29 fighters. All MiGs were concentrated at the 22nd Tactical Air Base in Malbork and the 23rd Tactical Air Base in Mińsk Mazowiecki. At that time, due to poor technical condition, no more than 70% of the aircraft could take off.

In 2024, it became known that Kyiv asked Warsaw to transfer the existing MiG-29s, and the parties discussed this possibility. However, there is no clarity on this issue, and it is likely that some of the old Polish fighters have already left the country. It is reliably known that spare parts and air weapons were transferred to Ukraine. There is also information that after February 24, 2022, Ukrainian MiG-29s were repaired in Poland.

F-16C/D fighters


After Poland was accepted into NATO, a gradual transition to Western weapons standards began. In 2001, the Polish Defense Ministry announced a competition for a promising fighter that was to replace the MiG-29. The following took part in the tender: the American F-16 Fighting Falcon from Lockheed Martin, the F/A-18 Hornet from Boeing, the French Dassault Mirage 2000-5 and the Swedish JAS 39 Gripen from SAAB.

According to the requirements of the Polish Air Force, the new multi-role fighters were to participate in the fight for air superiority, provide air support for ground forces, naval forces and aerial reconnaissance. It was envisaged that the prospective supersonic combat aircraft as part of a unified air defense system, interacting with ground radar posts, would provide cover for the country's territory and naval groups, they would be able to accompany transport and attack aircraft when performing missions over territory where there is a risk of attack by enemy fighters. Participation in isolating the combat zone and the possibility of providing direct air support to ground forces were stipulated.

Based on these requirements, it was planned to purchase 60 new Western-made fighters. But after Germany donated 22 MiG-29s, the number of aircraft to be purchased was reduced to 48 units.

The final stage considered Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 52+, Dassault Mirage 2000-5 and SAAB JAS 39C/D Gripen fighters. All three aircraft largely met the tactical and technical requirements of the Polish Air Force Headquarters, but the tender committee chose the American-made fighters, as, according to Polish experts, they had the best capabilities at that time for detecting air and ground targets and a wide range of air weapons, and were also the most optimal in terms of cost/effectiveness. But it should also be acknowledged that the results of the competition were largely influenced by political considerations.

The official announcement of the tender results took place on December 27, 2002. On April 18, 2003, the governments of Poland and the United States signed a contract for the delivery of 36 single-seat F-16C combat aircraft and 12 two-seat F-16D combat trainer aircraft in 2006-2008. Their value was $3,6 billion. The total amount of the deal, including pilot training and investment in the development of the necessary infrastructure, was about $6 billion. One of the conditions for the acquisition of American fighters was a promise by the United States to invest in the Polish economy an amount equal to the cost of the aircraft.

Unlike a number of other countries that purchased used American fighters, these aircraft were new. They were built at the Lockheed Martin plant in Fort Worth, Texas. The first Polish F-16C took to the skies on March 14, 2006. In the Polish Air Force, the American F-16C/D Block 52+ received the designation F-16 Jastrząb (Polish: jastrząb – goshawk). The first four F-16s were delivered to Poland on November 11, 2006, and the last three were delivered on December 12, 2008.


Polish Air Force F-16C and F-16D fighters

The main task of the Polish F-16 Jastrząb is air defense of the country's territory. For this purpose, the fighters can carry all available weapons and are equipped with advanced electronic equipment. Raytheon Corporation supplied two of the latest types of air-to-air guided missiles: 178 medium-range AIM-120C-5 AMRAAM and 178 short-range AIM-9X Sidewinder.

The basis of the targeting and search system is the latest Northrop Grumman (Westinghouse) AN/APG-68(V)9 radar with a maximum detection range of over 290 km for a large air target. The detection range for a fighter-type target is 120-160 km. The station can simultaneously track 10 air targets and guide missiles to four. The F-16 Jastrząb fighter's onboard radar is combined with the IDM (Iproved Data Modem) tactical information exchange system, which operates in the Link 16 standard and allows for the creation of a joint visualization of the situation, and the exchange of data with ground and air users of tactical information.

The AN/ALQ-211(V)4 AIDEWS electronic warfare system is used to counter enemy radars. It includes a radar irradiation receiver combined with a threat database, a control processor, and an active broadband jamming generator. In addition, the aircraft is equipped with AN/ALE-47 anti-radiation and heat trap ejection devices.

Poland purchased 360 AGM-65G Maverick missiles designed to destroy land and sea targets, 340 Mk 227 free-fall bombs, 82 Mk 230 bombs and 909 JDAM kits for converting them into guided bombs, as well as more than 84 AGM-270 JSOW glide-guided air-to-air munitions.

In addition to the above arms Polish Air Force received 22 Lockheed Martin Sniper-XR optoelectronic surveillance and target designation kits and 7 Goodrich DB-110 reconnaissance units with real-time ground data acquisition and analysis kits, as well as J-HMCS sights, NVG night vision goggles and a large number of spare parts .

Since mid-2016, the aircraft repair plant in Bydgoszcz has been carrying out repairs, maintenance and modernisation of F-16 Jastrząb fighters. During the work, some fighters received a specific camouflage created by Polish specialists.


Planned modernization work is carried out at the rate of two fighters per month. The estimated cost of purchasing additional weapons and modernizing the existing F-16 fleet is $250 million.

As of 2022, all F-16 Jastrząb fighters were part of the 2nd Tactical Air Wing, headquartered in Poznań. The 3rd and 6th Fighter Squadrons are based at the 31st Air Base in Krzesiny in Poznań, and the 10th Fighter Squadron is based at the 32nd Air Base in Łask near Łódź. The 31st Tactical Air Base is assigned 23 F-16Cs and 9 F-16Ds, and the 32nd Tactical Air Base is assigned 13 F-16Cs and 3 F-16Ds.

Following the escalation of the situation in Ukraine, the Polish government considered the possibility of acquiring 60 used F-16C/D Block 52+ fighters from the US Air Force. An alternative option was the F-16V Viper, which, in terms of cost/effectiveness, looks even preferable in the interceptor role than the 5th generation F-35A Lightning II fighters.

Light multirole combat aircraft KAI FA-50 Golden Eagle


The introduction of F-16C/D fighters has significantly increased the combat power of the Polish Air Force, but has not completely eliminated the need to replenish the air fleet, which is formed as a result of the decommissioning of obsolete and worn-out Soviet-made MiG-29 and Su-22M4 aircraft. In this regard, about 10 years ago, the command of the Polish Air Force began to consider options for acquiring relatively inexpensive combat aircraft capable of striking land and sea targets, intercepting subsonic targets and conducting defensive close air combat. To this end, in July 2022, Poland concluded a deal with the Republic of Korea for the supply of 12 FA-50GF Block 10 and 36 FA-50PL Block 20. The total contract amount exceeded $3 billion.


Light supersonic combat aircraft FA-50 Golden Eagle

The light two-seat supersonic combat aircraft FA-50 Golden Eagle was created by the joint efforts of the South Korean company KAI and the American Lockheed Martin on the basis of the trainer T-50 Golden Eagle, which was initially designed as a supersonic trainer for training pilots of the South Korean F-15K and KF-16C/D, and was also considered as a light attack aircraft. The first flight of the experimental T-50 Golden Eagle was performed on August 20, 2002. An order for 25 T-50s was placed in late 2003. In December, the Republic of Korea Air Force ordered the conversion of four T-50s into combat FA-50s. As a result, the South Korean aircraft manufacturer KAI received a contract worth $1,02 billion for the delivery of 60 FA-50s.

According to information published at international aerospace shows, the maximum takeoff weight of the two-seat FA-50 fighter is 12 kg. The aircraft uses a General Electric F300 turbofan engine with an afterburner, manufactured under license in South Korea. The maximum engine thrust reaches 404 kgf. The maximum flight speed at high altitude is 8045 km. Cruising speed is 1650 km/h. The practical flight range is 980 km. Armament weighing up to 1850 kg can be placed on 7 suspension nodes. To defeat air targets in close combat, there is a built-in three-barrel 3000-mm cannon with 20 rounds of ammunition, as well as AIM-200 Sidewinder and AIM-9 AMRAAM missiles. The EL/M-120 pulse-Doppler radar is used to detect air and surface targets, map the terrain, and employ airborne weapons. The onboard radar, developed by the Israeli company ELTA Systems, is capable of detecting an air target with an RCS of 2032 square meters at a range of up to 5 km. The F/A-100 avionics include a Link-50 data exchange system, radar warning equipment, and night vision devices. The cockpit is equipped with color multifunctional indicators and information display equipment on the windshield.

Currently, KAI is completing the creation of a single-seat F-50 fighter, which is planned to increase the flight range by approximately 30% by installing an additional fuel tank. It is claimed that the single-seat F-50 will significantly surpass the F-5E Tiger II fighter in its capabilities and will have approximately 80% of the combat potential of the F-16C Block 52.

The first 12 FA-50GF aircraft appeared at the 23rd Tactical Air Base in Minsk-Mazowieckie in the second half of 2023.


In the second half of 2025, the improved FA-50PL modification should begin to operate, which differs from the FA-50GF in its improved AESA Phantom Strike radar and a wider range of available weapons. Currently, the FA-50PL aircraft are being integrated with long-range AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles. The FA-50PL modification is also equipped with a boom for in-flight refueling. In the future, all early FA-50GFs should be upgraded to the FA-50PL standard.

If the Polish FA-50PLs are equipped with AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, this will allow them to effectively combat not only UAVs, cruise missiles and helicopters, but also conduct missile duels with modern fighters beyond the line of sight.

F-35A fighters


The light, two-seat, multi-role FA-50 Golden Eagle aircraft is partly capable of compensating for the decommissioning of Soviet-made fighters and attack aircraft, but it still cannot compete on equal terms with new Russian fighters.

In order to maintain the potential of fighter aircraft at the proper level, in January 2020 the Polish government signed an agreement to purchase F-35A Lightning II aircraft. For $4,6 billion, it is planned to purchase 32 5th generation fighters, as well as aircraft weapons, consumables, spare parts, and train flight and technical personnel. In the future, after the F-35A is mastered in combat squadrons, an option to purchase an additional batch is provided.


The Polish Air Force Command believes that the versatile F-35A is capable of fully replacing outdated fighters, adapted mainly for air combat, as well as Soviet-made strike aircraft. After the Lightning 2 is adopted, they will be tasked with intercepting air targets, gaining superiority, and striking ground and sea targets.

The F-35A is being built for the Polish order at the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company plant in Fort Worth. The first of 2024 F-32A combat aircraft was rolled out in August 35. The customer received two aircraft in 2024. Six more are to be delivered in 2025. The first eight Polish 5th generation fighters will initially be used to train pilots in the United States. Another 2026 Lightning 14 aircraft are planned to be built in 2. The initial combat readiness level of the first squadron is to be reached in 2027, and full combat readiness of two squadrons is to be reached in 2030.

It is known that there are plans to base one fighter squadron (16 F-35A aircraft) at the 32nd Air Operations Group Lask Air Base in central Poland, where they will operate alongside the F-16C/D Jastrząb. The second squadron will replace the decommissioned Su-22M4 attack aircraft at the 21st Tactical Air Base Świdwin, near the Baltic coast. Reconstruction of the airfield infrastructure is currently underway in Łask and Świdwin to accommodate the new aircraft.

Planned size and structure of Polish fighter aviation after 2030, as well as assistance from NATO allies


Apparently, the Polish Air Force Command expects to have two combat-ready air wings by 2030. The 1st air wing will have three squadrons armed with FA-50PL aircraft and one F-35A, while the 2nd air wing will have three F-16C/D squadrons and one F-35A. The aircraft of each air wing will be based at two air bases, from which the fighter squadrons will operate independently of each other, and thanks to the presence of a sensor system and advanced data exchange equipment, the F-35As will be able to coordinate the actions of 4th generation fighters. The 5th generation fighters should not only compensate for the loss of MiG-29 and Su-22M4, but also, in cooperation with aerostats and long-range radar surveillance aircraft, enhance the capabilities of the entire Polish combat aviation. Thus, for a country of 312 km², Poland will have a very good and well-balanced fleet of combat aircraft capable of performing a wide range of tasks.

However, until this happens, NATO allies, in order to compensate for the current relative weakness of the Polish Air Force, regularly deploy their fighters to Polish air bases. Since February 2022, F-15E fighter-bombers from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, F-22A fighters from Elmendorf-Richardson Air Force Base, Alaska, F-15E from Lakenheath Air Force Base in the UK, F-16C/D from Spangdahlem Air Force Base in Germany, and British and Italian Eurofighter Typhoons, as well as American and Italian F-35As have been on duty in Poland.
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  1. -15
    31 January 2025 05: 02
    Tanks, air defense, aviation, and other weapons are being updated at an accelerated pace. Apparently they are seriously approaching the next division of Poland. Flag in their hands.
    1. +10
      31 January 2025 08: 56
      There will be no new partition of Poland.
      First: Poland ranks 21st in the world in terms of nominal GDP and, based on the results of the past year, has a GDP growth of 2,7%, which is unattainable for the economies of "old" Europe. Let me remind you that during the partitions of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, it was on the economic backwaters of Europe, which, as you can see, is now nowhere to be seen.
      Second: Poland is ethnically and religiously united, unlike the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, which is literally torn apart by inter-religious and inter-ethnic conflicts.
      Third: The Polish Armed Forces are already qualitatively and quantitatively superior in their capabilities to any of the armies of "old" Europe and continue to increase their numerical and technical potential.
      Fourth: Poland, not Germany or France, is the military-political outpost of the United States in Europe and will remain so in the future due to the above-mentioned reasons.
      So dreams of dividing Poland should be abandoned and its potential and growth should be adequately assessed.
      1. -10
        31 January 2025 12: 36
        Complete nonsense! Poland exists mainly due to subsidies from the European Union! And the expensive rearmament is also at the expense of the West!
        1. +7
          31 January 2025 17: 00
          The revenues of the state budget of Poland in 2023 amounted to 339 million dollars. Without subsidies and grants from the EU, which until recently were effectively blocked by the European Commission due to Poland's refusal to accept migrants from Africa and the Arab East and the judicial reform carried out in Poland with the priority of national legislation. In 624, Poland granted citizenship to only 2022 thousand people, and then mainly to people who proved their right to it on the basis of blood. It even came to the point of blocking by the European Commission aid within the framework of the EU aid program to combat coronavirus, which was only unblocked for Poland at the end of 10. But even so, the zloty, as in 2023 cost about 2004 ZL per 4,6 EUR, and in 1 it mainly cost 2023 ZL per EUR. Therefore, please provide information on the amount of subsidies and grants to Poland from EU funds by year, from 4,6 to the present, so that we can compare.
          Now about rearmament. Credit resources are also used, which is normal. You forgot to mention the MAIN THING - on a repayable basis (first), second - Poland itself services them and to date has not allowed a SINGLE default on loans for the purchase of weapons. And third - ALL deals on the supply of weapons to Poland are carried out using offset programs (for example, with Patriot complexes) and a phased transfer of advanced technologies and subsequent servicing on a par with local contractors.
          Poland is not getting weaker, it is getting stronger. And by the way, it is no longer dependent on Russian energy resources. I am not writing panagerics to the Poles, but Solovyov-style bravado has already cost us dearly in Ukraine and may cost much more with the underestimation of Poland.
    2. +7
      31 January 2025 09: 24
      And yes, the creation of nuclear weapons and their carriers is not a technically and organizationally impossible task for Poland. The Poles do not particularly hide the fact that in the event of the denunciation of the Washington Treaty by the Trump Administration (which is unlikely in reality), the creation of its own nuclear weapons for Poland will require large material costs but is technically possible in a few years (back in 1977, the Poles managed to carry out thermonuclear fusion using a clean non-nuclear explosion, which allowed them to subsequently create hydrogen weapons).
      1. -1
        1 February 2025 05: 03
        Iran also wants to create a nuclear shield, but with interested NEIGHBORS this is not very successful.
  2. +4
    31 January 2025 08: 21
    hi
    As always, an interesting article!

    Polish F16s will likely be upgraded to the Block 72 variant.

    Of the armaments of the Polish F16, what is interesting is the presence of long-range missiles (from 360 to 900 km, possibly further), of which more are planned: "In 2014, Poland sought approval from the United States Congress to purchase the AGM-158 JASSM to enhance the deep penetration capabilities of its F-16 Block 52+ fighter jets. Congress approved the sale in early October, and negotiations concluded in early November 2014. Poland signed a $250 million contract to upgrade its F-16s and equip the aircraft with the Advanced Cruise Missile (AGM-158) JASSM at a ceremony at Poznan Air Base, Poland, on 11 December 2014.[ 34 ][ 35 ][ 36 ] The missiles are expected to enter service in 2017, and Poland is considering an additional purchase of the long-range JASSM-ER version.[ 37 ] A contract for production of Batch 2015 was signed in December 13. The contract includes 140 JASSMs for Finland, Poland, and the United States, 140 JASSM-ER missiles for the United States, and data, tooling, and test equipment. This is said to be the last production batch, which will include non-ER versions. Poland's first modified F-16s are expected to be ready by 2017, when the first missiles will be delivered. Work is scheduled to be completed by 29 June 2019.[ 38 ] [ unreliable source ? ] In November 2016, the US State Department approved the potential sale of 70 AGM-158B JASSM-ERs to Poland.[ 39 ] As of March 2024, the US State Department has approved the potential sale of up to 821 additional AGM-158B-2 JASSM-ER All-Up-Rounds and various additional support equipment to the Polish government for $1,77 billion." Wiki

    And the Polish view of JASSM and Moscow: "what the JASSM-XR actually is and what it can be used for. As you might guess, this is another variant of the JASSM (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile) cruise missile, which, it is worth noting, has already entered service with the Polish F-16C/D Jastrząb aircraft. Thanks to the order of the first 40 AGM-158A JASSM missiles in December 2014 and the modification of Polish aircraft to launch them, in 2018 it became possible to order also 70 newer AGM-158B JASSM-ER missiles with a range increased to more than 900 km. From this point of view, it is logical that, since in 2024 the US Air Force will be equipped with AGM-158D JASSM-XR missiles with a range of over 1600 km, Poland will show interest in them..... It is worth noting that this does not mean an attack on Moscow, although the Russians will certainly stir up this topic in their media. Until now, they have felt completely safe and unpunished, sitting in the Kremlin and threatening Poland with Iskander missiles or a campaign of air attacks with cruise missiles, similar to what is happening today in Ukraine. The sight of Poland armed with missiles capable of doing the same in Moscow or St. Petersburg certainly spoils the well-being of the Kremlin rulers. It is worth noting here that both Moscow and St. Petersburg are much closer than 1600 km, even if we count from Warsaw. ... To sum up, it can be said that the possible purchase by Poland of JASSM-XR missiles with a range of more than 1600 km, according to the manufacturer, and 1900 km, according to the Prime Minister, is a difficult task. problem. On the one hand, the vision of the possibility of attacking targets in Moscow, and perhaps even in the Kremlin, is pleasant and stimulates the imagination. However, from a realistic point of view, it would be wiser to strike at the enemy's logistics or command centers located deep behind his back and force him to deploy part of his air defense systems there. On the other hand, such a purchase, or even its potential possibility, would certainly be used by Russian propaganda as evidence of the aggressive stance of Poland and NATO." https://defence24.pl/sily-zbrojne/jassm-extreme-range-czyli-moskwa-w-zasiegu-polskich-rakiet-analiza
  3. +4
    31 January 2025 08: 49
    Following the escalation of the situation in Ukraine, the Polish government considered the possibility of acquiring 60 used F-16C/D Block 52+ fighters from the US Air Force. An alternative option was the F-16V Viper, which, in terms of cost/effectiveness, looks even preferable in the interceptor role than the 5th generation F-35A Lightning II fighters.

    Apparently, the Poles are discussing another (?) type of aircraft - an interceptor (?) for acquisition - " 32 air superiority fighters"by the way, additional batches of air-launched cruise missiles, possibly four hundred""several hundred" (according to the US, 400) AGM-158B missiles - 2 JASSM-ER - their deliveries are to be implemented in 2026-30 and will cost the treasury approximately 735 million dollars net. This is the third tranche of missiles of the above-mentioned family, which have been systematically purchased since 2014" https://zbiam.pl/rusza-finansowanie-produkcji-kolejnej-partii-pociskow-agm-158b-jassm-dla-polski/
  4. +3
    31 January 2025 10: 47
    If the Polish FA-50PLs are equipped with AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, this will allow them to effectively combat not only UAVs, cruise missiles and helicopters, but also conduct missile duels with modern fighters beyond the line of sight.

    Here we can wish the Poles "scoop with both hands", like in my favorite joke.
    The problem with "armed trainers" is that they are very slow compared to "normal fighters". This means that such a trainer will be slower to reach the interception line, will have worse conditions for launching its missiles, and in the case of a counterattack will be slower to evade it.
    And we should not forget that all the tabular data on the “range of missiles”, such as tens of kilometers for R73 missiles, are taken for the conditions "the target and the shooter are moving head-on at high altitude and high speed." Those who are curious can find the plate themselves, for example for the R73, and look at the range at low altitude when launched "in pursuit".

    The renaissance of "armed trainers", IMHO, arose for the same reason that 100 years ago "light bombers" were widespread - also with non-top flight characteristics, also the concept of "clear skies" and "carry more, throw more accurately, the enemy - Rebells with rifles". As soon as "normal fighters and air defense" appeared, these "light bombers" disappeared.

    Theoretically it is possible now "arm the FA-50GF aircraft with several weapons systems, as these are the same weapons we have purchased for our F-16s. These include: AGM-65 Maverick laser-guided missiles, Mark 82 classic air-to-air bombs, JDAM precision-guided bombs, and M20A61 2mm cannon ammunition.", but for obvious reasons they don’t do this - in reality, with a “hypothetical enemy” it’s a one-way trip. "In short, the popular Fafik without the AIM-120 will become a de facto successor to the Su-22 with the ability to strike ground targets and the ability to defend itself with short-range missiles." and that's if they find a suitable AIM9 for it. In short winked , the FA50 is in for a ridiculous upgrade to turn it into a "almost normal plane", and it will, of course, ruin the "cost of operation". But in general "The FA-50 program has gone too far winked to stop it sad The country has 12 aircraft, a group of pilots has already been trained for them, and some Polish-version aircraft are already at various stages of development. request production at KAI factories." https://defence24.pl/polityka-obronna/prawda-o-uzbrojeniu-dla-fa-50-komentarz

    In short, the goods are bought, there is nowhere to go. And, as the Poles' neighbors say, "You've seen what you bought - now you can eat it, even if you want to crawl out." request
  5. -14
    31 January 2025 11: 09
    What kind of warriors are the Poles? They already showed that in 1939. Who are they going to fight??? It's just funny.
    1. +15
      31 January 2025 11: 23
      Quote: Misha Prokhorenko
      What kind of warriors are the Poles? They already showed that in 1939. Who are they going to fight??? It's just funny.

      I heard something like this already at the beginning of 2022...
    2. +6
      31 January 2025 17: 19
      What warriors? That's what Tukhachevsky thought in 1920, and not only he. As for 1939, look at the ratio of the sides. And two years later, the Wehrmacht reached Solnechnogorsk, thus covering a distance of several Polands. I think I've already heard from Solovyov that we'll just raise an eyebrow and ... but here you are, the third year will soon end. Therefore, don't say hop until you jump over.
    3. +9
      31 January 2025 19: 13
      Quote: Misha Prokhorenko
      What kind of warriors are the Poles, they already showed this in 1939

      And they showed it, I must say, quite well.
  6. +1
    31 January 2025 11: 44
    To engage air targets in close combat, it has a built-in three-barrel 20-mm cannon with 200 rounds of ammunition, as well as AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles.

    The Poles write that the FA-50GF cannot carry AHV missiles. The avionics are not compatible with the AIM-120, and only old modifications of the AIM-9 can be mounted, which are no longer produced and Poland does not have them.
    The reason is simple and is written in the model designation: "GF" stands for Gap Filler - a stopgap, a temporary solution. These aircraft were ordered in 2022 "as soon as possible", so there was no time for modifications.
    The next version, the FA-50PL, will definitely be able to use the AIM-9X, but there are still questions about the AIM-120.
  7. -7
    31 January 2025 12: 12
    In order to maintain the potential of fighter aircraft at the proper level, in January 2020 the Polish government signed an agreement to purchase F-35A Lightning II aircraft. For $4,6 billion, it is planned to purchase 32 5th generation fighters, as well as aircraft weapons, consumables, spare parts, and train flight and technical personnel.


    Wow-wow-wow... The Poles can't wait for these F35s! So far they've only been given one! In general, the Poles have completely taken over the American military-industrial complex... Previously, only America's richest allies (like the Persian Gulf monarchies) received such expensive equipment on a priority basis.. Now the latest modifications of Abrams, Patriots, Haimars and F35s are steadily going to the Poles! I wonder who's paying for this banquet? I suspect that it's the West and NATO themselves... Otherwise, like their brothers-Ukrainians they don't know how...
  8. 0
    31 January 2025 12: 57
    Question: If in 2001 a competition was announced to replace Soviet equipment, then later when purchasing Korean aircraft and the F-35, no competition was held?
  9. +1
    31 January 2025 18: 55
    Quote: Strela-10
    Complete nonsense! Poland exists mainly due to subsidies from the European Union! And the expensive rearmament is also at the expense of the West!


    Please stop repeating these propagandistic nonsense! I've probably written this twenty times on this page already. Western subsidies make up 2-3% of the Polish budget. Stop repeating these lies about the European Union supporting Poland. Stop believing in propaganda and falsehoods! You have the internet, you can check it yourself on the website of the Polish Ministry of Finance and the European Commission.
    1. +1
      7 February 2025 02: 21
      Poland's trade balance averaged -€682,05 million from 2000 to 2024, reaching a record high of €1930,00 million in June 2020 and a record low of -€3285,00 million in February 2022. Can you explain this information to me? As I understand it, the bigger the minus, the better off the country is and it actively buys weapons, according to your logic, which are given to it for free?
      1. 0
        7 February 2025 17: 25
        I'm not quite sure what you're getting at and what the trade balance has to do with the budget. The latest data for 2024, covering the period from January to November, shows that Poland exported goods worth 1,394.8 billion PLN and imported goods worth 1,388.5 billion PLN, resulting in a surplus of 6.4 billion PLN. You can check this on the official website of the Polish Central Statistical Office. Please don't consider statistics from the last 25 years, as a lot has changed in Poland during that time.
  10. +5
    31 January 2025 19: 20
    In general, it turns out that the Polish air defense and air force are fundamentally very similar to us. Yes, the pipe is lower, and the smoke is thinner. There is a problem with electronic warfare aircraft, and the AWACS is not very good either, but over the territory of Poland this is compensated to a certain extent by a powerful ground component of air defense. It turns out that the Poles can still defend their own skies quite effectively, but are not capable of effectively poking their noses into someone else's.
    And the article still has a plus since this morning:)
    1. +2
      1 February 2025 01: 00
      hi
      Rather, in the next two years it will become "powerful ground-based air defense component", upon completion of deliveries.

      So far, it seems that the following are available:
      - two of eight Patriots/Vistula (long range),
      - one of twenty-three KAMM/Narev (medium range),
      - zero out of 22 launchers KAMM for Pilica+ (IMHO, 2 pieces per complex).

      The rest of the "extremely necessary modern" air defense/missile defense is covered by NATO allies with their Patriots, NASAMS and SkySabres and fighters/AWACS on a rotational basis.

      There is also a small naval wink the air defense component, in the form of two frigates in an unclear state (O X Perry type) and there is a plan for three, IMHO, frigates of the "Mechnik" type - there will be the same KAMM as the "main caliber" of air defense.

      So, the "land-based air defense/missile defense" in Poland as of "right now" does not look particularly "gorgeous".
  11. -4
    1 February 2025 04: 39
    Father Lukashenko is already marking targets for his "Oreshniki" on the map with a cross. I believe that he will not hesitate to strike at Poland at the right moment.
    1. +3
      1 February 2025 09: 08
      Quote: V.
      Father Lukashenko is already marking targets for his "Oreshniki" on the map with a cross.

      Yes, indeed... a nuclear strike on a NATO country. wassat
      Do you consider Lukashenko a suicide? No.
      Besides, Belarus has never had, does not have and will never have nuclear weapons. Tactical nuclear charges and their delivery systems deployed on the territory of the Republic of Belarus are under full Russian control, and if a decision is made to use them, "father" will be asked about this last.
      1. -4
        1 February 2025 09: 14
        "Oreshnik" has a non-nuclear modification, but it delivers a blow no worse than a nuclear warhead. That's its charm. Who would detonate a nuclear bomb behind their own fence?
        1. +5
          1 February 2025 09: 17
          Quote: V.
          "Oreshnik" has a non-nuclear modification, but it delivers a blow no worse than a nuclear warhead.
        2. +3
          1 February 2025 10: 17
          Quote: V.
          "Oreshnik" has a non-nuclear modification, but it delivers a blow no worse than a nuclear warhead.

          When I hear about "Oreshnik", I immediately think of "Boyaryshnik".
          In 1905, Albert Einstein derived the energy formula; E = mc² - which describes the relationship between mass and energy.
          A problem for the 3rd grade of elementary school. What mass should a non-nuclear warhead have so that its energy corresponds to a nuclear explosion with a power of 20 kt (equivalent to the bomb dropped on Hirashima), if its speed at the final section of the trajectory is 1500 m/s?
          1. -4
            1 February 2025 10: 49
            Search the Internet for photos of the Avangard tests in Kamchatka, where a soldier stands in a crater formed by a mock-up of the Avangard without nuclear filling. The depth is 75-100 meters. The same will be approximately true for the Oreshnik.
            1. +3
              1 February 2025 11: 18
              Quote: V.
              Search the Internet for photos of the Avangard tests in Kamchatka, where a soldier stands in a crater formed by a mock-up of the Avangard without nuclear filling. The depth is 75-100 meters. The same will be approximately true for the Oreshnik.

              Are you raving?
              1. +3
                1 February 2025 11: 54
                Quote: zyablik.olga
                Are you raving?
                Yes

                The victims of propaganda who believe in various kinds of wonder weapons are poorly educated people who completely lack critical thinking and the ability to perform basic mathematical operations.
              2. -2
                1 February 2025 12: 39
                I found photos of all the craters from both Sarmat and Avangard on the Internet. So look for them yourself, doubting Thomas.
                1. +3
                  1 February 2025 12: 41
                  Quote: V.
                  I found photos of all the craters from both Sarmat and Avangard on the Internet. So look for them yourself, doubting Thomas.

                  But you are not able to provide a link to that resource?
                  And I would like to see a calculation of the warhead mass providing an energy release of 20 kt. Can you?
                  1. -4
                    1 February 2025 12: 45
                    I just took a photo of Avangard craters and the Internet gave me all the craters from different missiles, from mock-ups of course. I don't need more. Goodbye.
                    1. +1
                      2 February 2025 03: 36
                      Quote: V.
                      I just collected photos of craters from Avangard and the Internet gave me all the craters from different missiles, from mock-ups of course.

                      Lying is not the best strategy when trying to prove you're right! negative Why are you disgracing yourself like this?
                      Especially for people like you:
                      https://dzen.ru/a/Yosx1eqiYCbzx0cH
                      1. -3
                        2 February 2025 04: 40
                        Unfortunately, such a page does not exist. This is the Internet's answer.
                      2. +1
                        2 February 2025 05: 05
                        Quote: V.
                        Unfortunately, such a page does not exist.

                        You are lying again, it exists. am
                      3. -4
                        2 February 2025 05: 10
                        Calm down, otherwise you'll have a stroke.
                      4. +2
                        2 February 2025 06: 00
                        Quote: V.
                        Calm down, otherwise you'll have a stroke.

                        Are liars at risk of stroke?
                      5. +2
                        2 February 2025 05: 59
                        Quote: Bongo
                        Especially for people like you:
                        https://dzen.ru/a/Yosx1eqiYCbzx0cH

                        Quote: V.
                        Unfortunately, such a page does not exist. This is the Internet's answer.

                        Everything is revealed to me. A pathetic attempt to evade!
                      6. -3
                        2 February 2025 07: 35
                        Why are you pestering me? Two experts in thermonuclear weapons. Did you serve in the Strategic Missile Forces? I did. Judging by your questions, you are still amateurs. So calm down both of you. As they say in Odessa, buy a chicken and enjoy it. hi
                      7. +1
                        2 February 2025 08: 51
                        Quote: V.
                        Did you serve in the Strategic Missile Forces? I did.

                        A bread slicer or a stoker?
                        Quote: V.
                        Why are you pestering me?

                        No need to lie... No. And if you are caught in a lie, have the courage to admit you are wrong!
                      8. -3
                        2 February 2025 09: 17
                        The missiles I served on are still in service. And I can't say who I served as, but not as a bread cutter or a stoker. Although I respect these
                        important specialties for the army. And I would serve in these positions myself.
                        As I understand from your comments and Olga's, intelligence is far from you. So let's stop our communication to our mutual relief. hi
                      9. +1
                        2 February 2025 09: 26
                        Quote: V.
                        The missiles I served on are still in service. And I can't say who I served as, but not as a bread cutter or a stoker.

                        Considering the nonsense you are spouting about inert warheads, it is quite obvious that you have no knowledge in this area, and if you really had any connection to the Strategic Missile Forces, it was only indirect.
                        Quote: V.
                        As I understand from your comments and Olga's, intelligence is far from you.

                        Olga and I never stooped to outright lies! No. And how does lying coexist with intelligence?
                        Quote: V.
                        So let's end our communication to our mutual relief.

                        I have every right to communicate with other readers in the comments to my publication as much as I consider necessary!
                      10. -3
                        2 February 2025 09: 28
                        Communicate with someone else, why do you think you should communicate with a liar?
                      11. +1
                        2 February 2025 09: 33
                        Quote: V.
                        Communicate with someone else, why do you think you should communicate with a liar?

                        You write comments to my article, don't write nonsense, and you won't be pointed out for it.
                  2. -4
                    2 February 2025 09: 26
                    You and Olga, as CIA agents, ask questions.
                    1. +2
                      2 February 2025 09: 30
                      Quote: V.
                      You and Olga, as CIA agents, ask questions.

                      Are you paranoid? What did they ask you that isn't publicly available?
                      They asked to calculate the mass of a body with hypersonic speed so that the effect of its fall would be comparable to a special munition?
                      1. -4
                        2 February 2025 09: 36
                        So why ask if it's in the public domain? For example, here's a calculation of the block's mass and speed providing an energy release of 20 kt. Why do you need this? To design anti-missiles?
                      2. +2
                        2 February 2025 09: 40
                        Quote: V.
                        So why ask if it's in the public domain? For example, here's a calculation of the block's mass and speed providing an energy release of 20 kt. Why do you need this? To design anti-missiles?

                        You do the math, these are elementary calculations, Olga even gave you the energy formula. Having received the calculation results, you will understand what nonsense you are talking. You can go the other way and google what mass an asteroid must have so that the energy released during its fall corresponds to the power of a 20 kt charge.
                      3. -4
                        2 February 2025 09: 50
                        I am not interested in this at all. In the first comment I wrote that Father Lukashenko, having received "Oreshnik", will determine the targets for their use, with strong-willed determination, and that's it. What else do you need? Read the rest in open sources. Or if you know arithmetic as you write, do the calculations for your own pleasure.
                      4. +2
                        2 February 2025 09: 56
                        Quote: V.
                        I am not interested in this at all. In the first comment I wrote that Father Lukashenko, having received "Oreshnik", will determine the targets for their use

                        Again, hand-face... No, there were not and will not be any nuts from the "father". Moreover, as a weapon with conventional warheads - it is a senseless waste of money.
                        You also wrote:

                        Quote: V.
                        "Oreshnik" has a non-nuclear modification, but it delivers a blow no worse than a nuclear warhead.

                        Or was it not you? This is complete nonsense. wassat It was not for nothing that I wrote to you about the FAB-1500. The crater formed when an inert warhead falls is approximately equivalent to such an aerial bomb, although the explosive effect is much smaller. And after that you tell tales about serving in the Strategic Missile Forces?
                      5. -5
                        2 February 2025 10: 02
                        V.V. Putin read about "Oreshnik" I just repeated his words. You as the author of a serious site should listen to the president, especially about armament. If you do not believe me then it is your will to accept everything as a fairy tale.
                      6. +1
                        2 February 2025 10: 06
                        Quote: V.
                        V.V. Putin, read about "Oreshnik" I just repeated his words.

                        Yeah, that's a valid argument! good Only V.V. Putin also promised not to raise the retirement age, or wasn’t it him?
                        Quote: V.
                        As the author of a serious website, you should listen to the president, especially about weapons.

                        It is enough for me that, unlike you, I at least understand a little about how a ballistic missile warhead is constructed and what kinetic energy it carries. I do not confuse propaganda with reality and do not lie about 75 m deep craters!
                      7. -4
                        2 February 2025 10: 09
                        You understand that you are reasoning apolitically. You can end up in jail for discrediting the government.
                      8. +2
                        2 February 2025 10: 13
                        Quote: V.
                        You understand that you are reasoning apolitically. You can end up in jail for discrediting the government.

                        Where did I discredit the government? By the laws of physics? The government is discredited by those who talk blatant nonsense and lie. Patriotism is not about crowing loudly, but about actions and words for which a person is capable of answering.
                      9. +3
                        7 February 2025 23: 26
                        Yes, he's at work, writing comments for 5 rubles. He doesn't get paid for calculating the dependence of energy on the mass and speed of an object. It's useless to argue with him.
                      10. +2
                        8 February 2025 04: 03
                        Maybe he's just a clinical idiot?
            2. +2
              1 February 2025 12: 04
              Quote: V.
              Search the Internet for photos of the Avangard tests in Kamchatka, where a soldier stands in a crater formed by a mock-up of the Avangard without nuclear filling. The depth is 75-100 meters. The same will be approximately true for the Oreshnik.

              What was the diameter of this funnel? wink
              However, I am not sure that such a photo exists in nature, since all materials from the target field of the Kura training ground are classified.
              But this is just lyricism, as for the high explosive action of ammunition, it may be a revelation for you, but the FAB-1500 aerial bomb containing 1200 kg of TNT, in medium-density soil is capable of forming a crater 20-25 m in diameter. I understand that you have big problems with arithmetic, but then take my word for it, to get a hole 75 m deep, not so much explosive is required, and this is several orders of magnitude less powerful than the nuclear charge of an ICBM or MRBM warhead.
  12. 0
    2 February 2025 00: 28
    Good article.

    There is a vague statement:
    To combat an air enemy, the modernized Polish MiG-29, as before, can carry two medium-range R-27R missiles with a semi-active radar homing head and six R-73 missiles with an IR homing head.

    Only 6 suspension points. From this text it follows that there are 8. If 2 R-27, then 73 remain under the R-4.
    1. -2
      2 February 2025 08: 45
      There are even more of these "ambiguities" in the article: the detection range of the MiG-29 radar, the launch range of its missiles is 27 without the "E", and most importantly, even after this notorious modernization, the Polish MiG-29s still "remained" in the 80s, since nothing changed in terms of the radar and weapons.
  13. +2
    4 February 2025 15: 59
    Found a more detailed commentary on additional aircraft for Poland.
    So, the excitement about FA50 doesn't go away laughing , "The purchase of the FA-50 has already raised concerns that Poland has too many platforms for its relatively small combat aircraft. However, the FA-50 is at least a low-maintenance aircraft." - but we need something more serious.

    KF21 - just a prototype for now, Rafale - not even discussed, IMHO (all slots are occupied).

    1. Eurofighter. "The Eurofighter Typhoon, which has been offered steadily for many years, is apparently more expensive to operate than the F-15EX (the cost per hour of flight for the Eurofighter has not been officially announced, while in the case of the F-15E Strike Eagle this parameter is estimated at $ 30) and is a smaller aircraft. The European design is offered with a strong industrial package (it is officially stated that up to 000% of the cost of the aircraft can be produced in Poland)". There is one for sale, Tranche 1 can be taken, IMHO, "for a while" from the same British, where "it is already in the warehouse" - but it does not work out. request

    2. F16. It looks like all production slots will be filled in the near future as well.

    3. F15. An unobvious candidate, many advantages, but the slots for the near future for production are occupied. "its enormous range and ability to carry up to 15 tons of weapons (an interesting argument was that it is more profitable to refuel an aircraft carrying a lot of weapons). weapons in the air than, for example, a light combat aircraft). . Combined with 23 weapon attachment points and a powerful AESA radar, this allows the F-15EX to serve as a real hammer for Russian combat aircraft, carrying up to 14 AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles (AIM-120 AMRAAM). especially effective if the Polish F-35s were operating at the front, transmitting information about targets), or as a... bomber. The Eagle II's carrying capacity is even greater than that of the new Russian Su-34 frontline bomber, which can carry up to 14 tons of weapons. And all this does not take into account the ability to carry much more modern high-precision weapons than Russian aircraft. ... It is worth recalling that the F-15EX is planned to integrate advanced hypersonic missiles, as well as missiles of the AIM-15 AMRAAM class. "long-range air-to-air" with parameters currently unattainable. The dimensions and novelty of the design (open architecture) also suggest that the F-XNUMXEX will be able to integrate the latest technical innovations, including laser weapons. ... the only thing its aircraft lacks is physical stealth. Instead, the Eagle II will be equipped with an advanced electronic warfare system, providing it with "electronic" stealth.... If Poland orders the Eagle II, it is not known when they might be delivered. "

    4.F35. Leader in Poland for additional purchases, IMHO. "..if there were a large fleet of Lightning IIs, some could be sent into combat in the front line in a stealth configuration, and others behind them in a configuration that ignored stealth but had external weapon rails, a so-called Beast Configuration (so-called Beast Mod -author). The F-35A does not carry 15 tons of weapons, but "only" a little more than eight, but has numerous suspension points and can carry up to 14 AMRAAM.... The F-35 as a 5th generation aircraft is also adapted to the latest types of weapons. It is inferior to the F-15EX only in operational ceilings (18 km versus 15 km) and maximum range (4800 km with two conformal and three external tanks and 2800 km). The range of both designs is already, however, similar and is about 1200-1300 km), and, in addition, it seems that such a long range will not be needed ... we again return to the F-35, for which world orders are huge, but which is produced in quantities of more than 140 units per year, and this number may still grow. And here - in the conditions of huge deliveries to different customers - it seems that it will be easiest to fight for a privileged place in the queue"
    https://defence24.pl/przemysl/f-15ex-potwor-dla-polski
  14. -2
    9 February 2025 09: 50
    No, no, no! I won't give him to Zhelensky. A man takes care of his wife as his own wife, and not because some Bandera driver drives her!