Poland has officially inducted its first three F-35 Lightning II fighter jets into service, becoming the first country on NATO's eastern flank to operate the fifth-generation aircraft.

According to the Polish Ministry of National Defence, a commissioning ceremony for the F-35 Husarz aircraft was held at the 32nd Tactical Air Base in Łask, central Poland.

The event was attended by Polish President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, members of parliament and senior military officials.

The ministry said Poland's acquisition of the F-35 places the country among a select group of 20 nations operating the advanced combat aircraft and marks a milestone in Warsaw's ongoing military modernization efforts.

The first three F-35 fighter jets arrived at the 32nd Tactical Air Base on May 22. Poland is scheduled to receive a total of 32 F-35 aircraft, equivalent to two squadrons, between 2026 and 2030.

The aircraft are being supplied by U.S. defense manufacturer Lockheed Martin under a procurement program valued at approximately $4.6 billion.

Polish authorities said the jets will be equipped with advanced weapons systems, including AGM-88G AARGM-ER anti-radiation missiles and AIM-120D-3 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles.

The AIM-120D-3 variant is reported to have a range of up to 180 kilometers and a guidance system designed to resist electronic jamming.

The introduction of the F-35 is expected to enhance the capabilities of the Polish Air Force as NATO members continue efforts to modernize their defense forces amid evolving regional security challenges.(ILKHA)