Polish demand for fighter jets sparks competition between US and European suppliers

Poland is eagerly awaiting the delivery of 32 F-35 fighter jets, which were ordered in 2020. Furthermore, there are considerations of expanding their combat fleet with another 32 aircraft, Polish defense officials have revealed.

“We own 48 F-16s. We have ordered 32 — two squadrons — of F-35s. Next year, the first units will be in the hands of Polish pilots. We have ordered 48 FA-50s,” National Defense Minister Mariusz Błaszczak told Radio Dla Ciebie. “But it is not enough, we need at least two more squadrons of … multi-role aircraft. What kind of aircraft will they be? We are working on this.”

In the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Poland, like many neighboring countries, has amplified its military procurement efforts.

For Poland's air force to have adequate operational capabilities, it must be equipped to challenge Russian Sukhoi Su-34 fighter bombers and Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets. This necessitates the acquisition of aircraft capable of establishing air dominance.

When considering potential options, Tomasz Smura from the Casimir Pulaski Foundation in Warsaw said, “realistically, only two options are available on the market.” He was referring to the Eurofighter Typhoon and the F-15EX Eagle II by Boeing.

Highlighting the importance of controlling airspaces in the context of the Ukrainian conflict, Boeing's Tim Flood mentioned, “one of the lessons from the war in Ukraine.” He also posited that if Poland opts for the F-15EX fighters, they would be a “perfect combination with the F-35s.”

Historically, Poland has shown a preference for U.S. defense systems, owing to both their performance and the diplomatic relations they foster. However, recent political shifts in Poland could potentially alter this pattern. Earlier procurements include 116 M1A1 Abrams tanks and 250 M1A2 Abrams tanks. Additionally, the U.S. has approved the sale of 96 AH-64E Apache helicopters to Poland.

Smura added, “Regarding previous procurement decisions and the fact that the Polish government is keen on U.S. cooperation, I would rather consider the F-15 as a front runner.”

On the other hand, the Eurofighter consortium has been pitching their aircraft in Poland for years. Costa Panvinirosati of Leonardo remarked at the Polish Radom Air Show in 2023 that Poland is “a really good” market for the Eurofighter.

Highlighting Leonardo's significant presence in Poland, Panvinirosati said, “Leonardo is often seen as an Italian defense company, but in fact has had a large presence in Poland for many years. It has around 3,000 employees there and this level is increasing thanks to new programs, like the AW149 helicopter that will be produced here.”

While Smura believes the Eurofighter might have a competitive edge due to potential technology transfer agreements, Leonardo has not commented on whether any deal might include local Eurofighter production in Poland.