Poland to purchase F-15 fighters – Minister of Defense

Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak confirmed the information that Poland is considering the purchase of F-15 fighter jets.

He spoke about this in an interview with Defense 24.

Commenting on the purchase of FA-50 aircraft, Mariusz Blaszczak said that it is not the last decision of the government on the Polish Air Force development.

“We will accelerate the delivery of F-35s. In the long term, we plan to acquire additional F-35s or F-15s. And we are closely monitoring the progress of our South Korean partners on the KF-21 Boramae,” he said.

Blaszczak also noted that it is currently impossible to get new F-16s because of the manufacturer’s policy focused on F-35 production.

“I have discussed this topic with our American partners many times. We can’t wait, so the FA-50 will be delivered next year. For example Slovakia’s deliveries of F-16s are delayed to such an extent that a pair of Polish fighters on duty will have to patrol Slovakia’s airspace within ally cooperation,” he emphasized.

While speaking about the FA-50 purchase, Blaszczak noted that pilot training would not require extra time or funding. The Polish infrastructure is ready for them, since the aircraft are similar to the F-16.

Previously, Mariusz Blaszczak announced that Poland is about to buy 48 FA-50 light combat aircraft and at least 180 K2 Black Panther tanks from South Korea. The outdated Soviet fighters will be replaced by FA-50 fighter jets.