08/28/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/28/2024 09:50
FORT WORTH, Texas, Aug. 28, 2024/PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) presented Poland'sfirst F-35A Lightning II to the Polish government during a rollout ceremony at Lockheed Martin's F-35 production facility. This event marks a significant milestone in the Polish Air Force's history and strengthens the alliance between the United Statesand Poland, a key NATO ally.
"Over more than 100-years of the Polish Air Force, there have been many generations of pilots and aircraft. I am proud to be part of history today, introducing the F-35 as the next generation, which will protect and defend Poland'sfuture for many years. We are joining a strong coalition of 5th generation fighters across Europe, bolstering air superiority through allied deterrence," said Major General Ireneusz Nowak, Inspector of Polish Air Force.
As the most advanced 21st Century Security® solution, the F-35 is the NATO aircraft of choice and will help extend Poland'sstrong leadership in NATO through investment in military modernization and enhanced participation in foreign missions. Polandis one of several NATO nations to invest in the allied deterrence of the F-35. With its unmatched interoperability, Poland'sF-35s, named "Husarz" to pay homage to a calvary unit from the country's military past, will connect assets across domains to increase situational awareness for Polandand its key European partners.
"As the NATO aircraft of choice, the F-35 is a powerful force multiplier and critical to deterring and defeating threats for Polandand its allies," said Greg Ulmer, president, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. "We are honored to strengthen our enduring partnership with Polandthrough today's celebration, ensuring Polish national security and long-term capability development for decades to come."
Senior government and military leaders from Polandand the United Statesattended the ceremony to celebrate Poland'sfirst of 32 F-35As per its program of record. The first aircraft, designated AZ-01, will be delivered to the Polish Air Force in December and will be based at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Arkansas, where Polandwill be the first international customer to conduct F-35 pilot training.
F-35s are now operating from 32 bases worldwide. To date, Lockheed Martin has delivered more than 1,000 F-35s, trained more than 2,540 pilots and 16,690 maintainers, and the F-35 fleet has surpassed 889,000 cumulative flight hours. Lockheed Martin continues to work side by side with F-35 operators to ensure allies remain ahead of the evolving threat.
About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at Lockheedmartin.com.
Please follow @LMNews on X for the latest announcements and news across the corporation.
SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics