Poland “pushing hard” to bring loyal wingman for F-35 fleet
Poland signed for 32 F35-A aircraft in 2019 in a contract worth US$4.6 billion. (Photo: Crown Copyright)
The loyal wingman platform would work alongside the Polish Air Force’s newly acquired F-35A aircraft in a manned-unmanned teaming concept.
Poland’s previous market evaluation of a loyal wingman platform to work alongside its upcoming fleet of F-35A aircraft has remained under consideration, according to Major General Cezary Wiśniewski, deputy general command of the Polish Armed Forces.
Speaking at the International Fighter Conference 2024 in Berlin, Wiśniewski said the Polish Air Force is reportedly still “pushing very hard [in] the system” to find the money for UAS testing and evaluation that will bring collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) capabilities to Poland.
An evaluation in 2023 formed part of the ministry’s efforts to meet the requirements of the Harpii Szpon (Harpy’s Talon) adjunct programme for the F-35
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![SOF Week 2026: DroneShield moves to double its production capacity in the US]()
SOF Week 2026: DroneShield moves to double its production capacity in the US
The DroneShield US subsidiary is rapidly expanding its manufacturing footprint in the country and has expedited the process to double its domestic production capacity in at least four months.
-
![Next-generation tactical UAS: Advancing European defence capabilities]()
Next-generation tactical UAS: Advancing European defence capabilities
As Europe confronts its most unstable security environment since the Cold War, defence planners recognise that advanced, dependable and flexible Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) are central to a force that competes and prevails on today’s battlefield.
-
![Indonesia strengthens Turkish defence ties with Kizilelma drone order]()
Indonesia strengthens Turkish defence ties with Kizilelma drone order
Indonesia’s purchase of 12 drones with options for an additional 48 is the third deal in as many years between Indonesian and Turkish defence industries, bolstering the former’s plans to strengthen its own domestic production and defence industry.
