Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, Arkansas, has recently completed the installation of aircraft arresting system on its runway, marking a crucial step in its preparation for the arrival of the first foreign F-35 fighters set to train there. Coinciding with this development, Poland, slated to be the first foreign air force to send F-35s to Ebbing, has taken delivery of its initial F-35 fighter jet, heralding a new era in NATO’s air defense capabilities.
Major General Ireneusz Nowak, Inspector of the Polish Air Force, emphasized the historical significance of the occasion, stating, “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’s future for many years.”
The F-35A, christened “Husarz” in homage to a cavalry unit from Poland’s military past, is poised to significantly enhance Poland’s air defense capabilities and strengthen its role within NATO. Greg Ulmer, president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, underscored the aircraft’s importance, describing it as “a powerful force multiplier and critical to deterring and defeating threats for Poland and its allies.”
Fort Smith City Administrator Carl Geffken elaborated on the importance of the runway modifications at Ebbing, explaining, “We needed the runway done now because the F-35s will be coming in. Our own pilots, United States Air Force pilots who will be doing the training, will be flying in from Eglin Air Force base to make sure things are set up properly.”
The $22 million project, funded by the U.S. Air Force, has transformed the Fort Smith Regional Airport’s shared runway into a state-of-the-art training facility. Pilots from various NATO and partner nations, including Poland, Finland, Germany, Singapore, Switzerland, Czechia, and Greece, are slated to receive training at the base.
This international training initiative at Fort Smith underscores the F-35’s role as the NATO aircraft of choice, fostering interoperability among allied forces. The advanced capabilities of the F-35 will enable Poland to connect assets across domains, significantly enhancing situational awareness for both Polish forces and their European partners.
The delivery of Poland’s first F-35A and the preparations at Fort Smith represent critical steps in NATO’s ongoing efforts to maintain technological superiority and strengthen allied deterrence. As more F-35s are integrated into European air forces, the alliance’s ability to respond to evolving security challenges in the region is expected to improve substantially.
With the first Polish F-35A scheduled for delivery to the Polish Air Force in December, and pilot training set to commence at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Poland is poised to become a key player in NATO’s fifth-generation fighter operations. This development not only enhances Poland’s national security but also reinforces the collective defense capabilities of the NATO alliance in an increasingly complex global security environment.
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