The United States announced a fresh $4 billion military financing loan for Poland on Friday, as the Eastern European nation celebrated the first flight of its newly acquired F-35 fighter aircraft.
U.S. Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security Thomas DiNanno revealed the loan details to PAP news agency during Friday’s ceremonial flight. The financing comes through the Foreign Military Financing programme and increases Poland’s total available military funding to $20 billion.
The milestone flight marked Poland’s entry as the first nation on NATO’s eastern border to operate the advanced F-35 aircraft, as tensions with Russia continue to influence regional security concerns.
Poland committed to purchasing 32 of the advanced fifth-generation fighters in a $4.6 billion agreement signed in 2020. Three aircraft arrived last month, with the remaining deliveries expected to conclude by 2029.
According to Polish defense officials, the F-35 fleet will significantly enhance the nation’s military strength. The aircraft feature advanced stealth capabilities and sophisticated sensor systems that gather intelligence for pilots and coordinate with other military units.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki, Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, and DiNanno representing the U.S. government attended Friday’s ceremony.
“In the armed forces development programme, we have included two additional squadrons of 5th-generation F-35 aircraft to strengthen the military,” Kosiniak-Kamysz stated during the event.
