US and Polish Pilots Unite on NATO Front Lines

LASK, Poland – Poland is set to receive its first F-35 fighter jets “very soon,” as stated by Polish Deputy Defense Minister Paweł Zalewski. U.S. and Polish forces are working together at a key NATO air base located near the alliance’s eastern edge.

FOX News Digital had exclusive access to Poland’s 32nd Tactical Air Force Base in Rusk, where preparations are underway for the arrival of these advanced jets. This acquisition comes as part of a $4.6 billion deal to purchase 32 F-35s from Lockheed Martin.

Even though the jets have yet to arrive, the collaborative efforts between the U.S. and Poland are already evident.

At the base, American and Polish military personnel train, operate, and sometimes are stationed together, showcasing the strong military ties that exist amidst ongoing political discussions about NATO’s shared responsibilities.

Lt. Col. Pete Nanoslawski, commander of the 1st Detachment, 52nd Operations Group, U.S. Air Force, shared that Poland’s military modernization has significantly fostered cooperation between the two forces. Coming from New York and having served in Poland for five years, he emphasized the critical logistical support and infrastructure Poland provides.

He remarked, “We have incredible support from Poland,” standing alongside his Polish commanders.

This partnership especially reflects Poland’s concerns regarding Russian aggression, as seen in its aggressive acquisitions of U.S. military technology. “Their foreign military sales portfolio has an insatiable appetite, and rightly so,” he noted.

The camaraderie between U.S. and Polish forces was apparent during the visit, where Polish military leaders often exhibited a friendly demeanor towards their American counterparts, which went beyond standard formalities.

Col. Krzysztof Duda, commander of the 32nd Tactical Air Base, remarked, “We speak the same language, just with different accents.” Duda, a graduate of the U.S. Air Force War College, humorously stated, “Even if you want to divorce, we won’t divorce. But we don’t want divorce,” expressing the strength of the military relationship.

Nanoslawski added that the American presence in Poland enhances front-line capabilities and facilitates rapid response to threats.

This new chapter in military collaboration coincides with Poland’s integration of the F-35 into its air force.

Duda highlighted that acquiring and successfully integrating the F-35 involves a long training and infrastructure development process, estimating each pilot’s training would cost around $55 million.

The base has undergone significant upgrades to meet U.S. certification standards, including the construction of new operational and maintenance facilities.

In a separate statement, Zalewski confirmed the arrival of Poland’s first F-35 is indeed imminent. “That will happen very soon,” he reiterated.

“The F-35 has crucial capabilities that ensure air superiority, which is vital for today’s battlefields,” he stated, emphasizing that the U.S. and Poland would work together closely on operational tactics.

In the context of NATO discussions about burden-sharing, Poland stands out as a robust ally—boosting defense expenditures, investing in U.S. weaponry, and hosting U.S. troops.

For many in Poland’s military, the threat from Russia feels personal. Lt. Col. Shooter, a Polish F-16 pilot, shared insights about the enduring memories of Soviet dominance. “We remember that, and we don’t want something like this to happen again,” he said, underscoring the necessity of deterrence in light of Russia’s past aggressions.

He explained that this instinct to prepare for potential conflict seems almost ingrained in their identities, noting the importance of making costs prohibitively high for aggressors.

According to the U.S. Air Force, Polish pilots have begun F-35 training in the U.S., and a training program recently celebrated its first Polish pilot flight back in Poland.

The integration of the F-35 into the Polish Air Force is expected to bolster regional deterrence, enhance operational compatibility, and lift European security, as stated by Lockheed Martin. “The F-35 plays an active role in defending NATO airspace,” they noted, reinforcing its long-term value for Poland’s national security.

Preparations are also underway for the celebration of Poland’s first F-35 arrival in Rusk scheduled for June.