Poland’s First F-35s Arrive Home After Atlantic Crossing Through Lajes

Poland’s first three F-35A fighters (reg. 3509/3910/3911 – c/s RETRO61/2/3) have now officially arrived in the country after completing their transatlantic ferry flight from the United States. Earlier this afternoon the aircraft were tracked over the United Kingdom while flying eastbound together with a USAF KC-46A Pegasus (reg. 20-46074 – c/s RUMMY02) tanker after a stopover at Lajes Air Base in the Azores.

The arrival marks a historic milestone for the Polish Air Force and a major step in NATO’s ongoing reinforcement of its eastern flank with fifth-generation combat aircraft.

From the United States to Poland

The three fighters departed the United States after the initial training phase conducted at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas, where Polish pilots and maintainers have been training in recent months.

During the Atlantic crossing, the aircraft staged through Lajes Air Base, a key NATO logistics hub frequently used for long-range military deployments between North America and Europe.

This afternoon the formation was observed over the UK together with a KC-46A tanker using the callsign RUMMY02. After escorting the fighters toward continental Europe, the tanker later turned back west while the F-35s continued toward Poland.

The aircraft are expected to operate from Łask Air Base, which has recently completed infrastructure upgrades required for F-35 operations.

The F-35 introduces capabilities that Poland previously lacked entirely: low observability, advanced sensor fusion and deep interoperability with US and allied forces operating across Europe.

In operational terms, the aircraft will strengthen NATO’s ability to monitor and respond rapidly across the Baltic region and the alliance’s eastern frontier, particularly as tensions with Russia remain elevated.