Story ID: DP 05_31 Poland F-35
Poland Seeks F-35As
By: David Donald
Caption: Fifth-generation fighters are due to replace Poland's Soviet-era survivors
Word Count: 164
On May 28 the Polish government sent a letter of request to the U.S. government, asking for a quotation concerning the supply of 32 Lockheed Martin F-35As and associated logistics package. The request was revealed by Poland’s defense minister, Mariusz Blaszczak, on his Twitter account. In the message the minister commented, “It's time to replace post-Soviet equipment with the most modern fighters!”

In April the U.S. Department of Defense outlined a plan to clear the F-35 for export to Poland, as well as Greece and Romania. The move is seen as a response to growing tensions with Russia and a means of bolstering defenses in Europe. Poland is also seeking to attract more U.S. forces to its soil.

Currently, the Polish air force operates two squadrons each of Mikoyan MiG-29s and Sukhoi Su-22s alongside three equipped with Lockheed Martin F-16s. The nation has already signaled its intentions to acquire a fifth-generation fighter.