Lockheed Martin cannot deliver F-35A Lightning II fifth-generation fighters to Poland on time

Lockheed Martin recently began assembling the first fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II fighter for the Polish Air Force. However, deliveries will start with a slight delay.

Here's What We Know

The first aircraft is being assembled at Lockheed Martin's plant in Georgia. After that it will go to a facility in Fort Worth, Texas, where it will be fitted with wings. Lockheed Martin plans to produce the first fighters for the Polish Air Force in 2024. However, the planes will remain in the US for training purposes.

The first two of six fifth-generation fighters were expected to be delivered to Poland between March and June 2026, with another four during the first half of 2027. As it became known, the first planes will land in Poland only in November and December 2026, while the others will be delivered in late 2027.

Finally, we recall that Poland signed a contract to buy 32 F-35A Lightning II fighters in 2021. The amount of the deal was $4.6 billion. The place of deployment of the first planes will be the air base in the city of Lask.

Source: Defence24