Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1536266
two squadrons, one of which (from 2027) will stand up at the 21st Tactical Air Base in Świdwin. This base currently hosts the last Su‑22 squadron and is undergoing a major upgrade to safely operate the Su‑22's successors. Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine spurred further force expansion, initiated by the Polish MoD: 48 KAI FA‑50 Fighting Eagles have been procured to fill the gap in close‑air‑support role once held by Su‑22s, with one of three planned squadrons also based at Świdwin. A second Harpia phase will procure another 32 fighters, with a decision due in 2026. As noted above, the Su‑22M4/UM3K are among the very last Soviet‑built aircraft in Polish Air Force service. Over the past 25 years, successive acquisitions have nearly fully "Westernized" the fleet: F‑16C/D, F‑35A (in production/delivery), FA‑50 (in delivery/production), Leonardo M‑346 trainers, PZL‑130 Orlik TC‑II turboprops, C‑130E/H Hercules, C‑295M, M‑28 Bryza transports, and Saab 340AEW early‑warning aircraft in naval aviation. In the coming months, aside from retiring the last Su‑22s and MiG‑29s, Poland will make decisions on new air‑superiority fighters, aerial refueling, additional transports, and new early‑warning platforms—supplemented by growing numbers of UAS from U.S., Turkish, and domestic manufacturers. AVIATION