Polish Air Force

The Polish Air Force (Siły Powietrzne) is undergoing an unprecedented modernization, positioning itself as a cornerstone of NATO's eastern flank. Its structure is based on tactical air wings, a transport aviation wing, and dedicated air defense and radio-technical troops responsible for safeguarding national airspace. This integrated structure is designed to function seamlessly within the broader allied defense framework, reflecting a strategic doctrine centered on national and collective defense in response to regional threats.

Operationally, the Polish Air Force is a key contributor to NATO missions. It is a regular participant in the Baltic Air Policing (BAP) mission, routinely deploying its F-16s to safeguard the airspace of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. This recurring operational tempo demonstrates a high level of readiness and interoperability with other allied forces. Domestically, in response to the war in Ukraine, the air force has maintained a heightened state of alert, conducting air patrols along its eastern border to ensure the security of Polish and allied airspace.

Poland's strategic doctrine is unequivocally defensive, with its primary mandate being the defense of the nation's airspace and territory. Since joining NATO, its posture has evolved from a focus on territorial defense to encompassing force projection and collective security obligations under the Washington Treaty. This is evidenced by its active role in BAP and its commitment to developing capabilities that can be deployed as part of the NATO Response Force. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has reinforced this doctrine, accelerating plans to build a robust, multi-layered air and missile defense system integrated with allied command and control networks.

To achieve its strategic objectives, Poland has embarked on one of Europe’s most ambitious military modernization campaigns, with a defense budget projected to reach 4.7% of GDP. The air force is at the heart of this effort, transitioning from its remaining Soviet-era aircraft to advanced Western platforms. The cornerstone of this modernization is the "HARPIA" program, which includes the acquisition of 32 F-35A Lightning II fifth-generation fighters. These will be complemented by Korean-built FA-50 light combat aircraft and a potential follow-on order of F-16s or F-15EXs, with a stated goal of operating up to 160 modern combat aircraft. This expansion is supported by the acquisition of new transport and training aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, and a multi-layered air defense system comprised of the WISŁA (Patriot) and NAREW (CAMM) programs. These acquisitions represent a profound qualitative and quantitative leap, transforming the Polish Air Force into one of the most formidable in the region.