Post-Soviet Aircraft: Poland Ends SU-22 Service
- The upcoming Air Show in Radom,scheduled for august 30th and 31st,will be a landmark event for the Polish Air Force.General Marek Sokołowski announced that the show will feature...
- Introduced to the Polish army in the 1980s, the SU-22 was once considered a modern asset, though it lagged behind more advanced aircraft of the era.
- The gradual withdrawal of the SU-22 is a key component of a broader, ambitious modernization strategy for the Polish Air Force.
A farewell to the SU-22: poland’s Air Force Modernization Takes Flight
Table of Contents
Updated August 21,2025
A Historic Transition at the radom Air Show
The upcoming Air Show in Radom,scheduled for august 30th and 31st,will be a landmark event for the Polish Air Force.General Marek Sokołowski announced that the show will feature over 100 aircraft, but also mark a poignant farewell to the SU-22, currently the oldest combat aircraft in service with the Polish military.
The SU-22: A Legacy of Service
Introduced to the Polish army in the 1980s, the SU-22 was once considered a modern asset, though it lagged behind more advanced aircraft of the era. Poland initially procured 90 SU-22M4 fighter-bombers and 20 SU-22UM3K trainer aircraft. For years,the remaining SU-22s were based at the 21st Tactical air Base in Świdwin,faithfully serving the nation’s defense needs.
Modernization: Replacing the Old Guard
The gradual withdrawal of the SU-22 is a key component of a broader, ambitious modernization strategy for the Polish Air Force. This initiative aims to enhance operational capabilities and ensure seamless integration with NATO forces. The move reflects a commitment to maintaining a cutting-edge defense posture in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.
New Horizons: Introducing the F-35 and FA-50
Poland is actively investing in next-generation aircraft to fill the void left by the retiring SU-22.notably, the nation has committed to acquiring the F-35 Lightning II, a fifth-generation fighter produced by Lockheed Martin. These aircraft boast advanced “Stealth” technology – enhancing precision and enabling sophisticated electronic warfare capabilities. Poland has ordered 32 F-35s, with deliveries expected to continue through 2030.
Complementing the F-35, Poland has also purchased 48 FA-50 light fighters from South Korea. These aircraft will be stationed at bases in Mińsk mazowiecki and Świdwin. Pilot training will be streamlined by the FA-50’s similarities to the F-16 currently in service, and their modern navigation systems will further enhance operational effectiveness.
Looking Ahead: Future Aircraft Acquisitions
Poland’s commitment to modernization doesn’t end with the F-35 and FA-50. The country is actively evaluating additional aircraft options, including the F-15EX and the Eurofighter Typhoon, to further bolster its air defense capabilities. these potential acquisitions would provide advanced air superiority options, solidifying Poland’s position as a key security partner within NATO.