Warsaw Eyes US Air Force’s CCA Program, Remains Committed to F-35 Order
Poland is prioritizing the acquisition of „more fighters in a short future,” but plans to procure 32 new fighter jets are on hold pending approval of a new, long-term capability plan, Maj. Gen. Cezary Wisniewski, deputy general commander of the Polish Armed Forces, told Breaking Defense.
The 15-year planning document is expected to be finalized in „a matter of months,” offering some hope to industry awaiting updates on Poland’s fighter jet ambitions. However, the timeline for a selection decision and contract award remains uncertain.
„My gut feeling — more than gut feeling — is that there will be resources allocated for new fighters and the CCA [Collaborative Combat Aircraft program] in the next 15 years [capability planning] cycle,” Wisniewski said at the MSPO trade show. However, he added that whether the purchase of more combat jets „happens a year from now, five years from now, or ten years from now, I cannot say.”
Procurement Process Slowed
Wisniewski explained that the procurement process has slowed due to the ongoing development of the new long-term capability plan. „I believe that when you get the new plan, this is like a 15 year cycle plan….we can move forward,” with acquiring additional fighter jets, he said.
The procurement process is „probably [a] longer process than we thought, like two years ago.”
Warsaw has been interested in acquiring 32 additional fighter jets for several years to meet an air dominance requirement. Boeing had previously indicated that a selection decision could be made in late 2024 or early 2025, with the company offering its F-15EX Eagle II fourth-generation jet.
In addition to the F-15EX, Warsaw is also considering the Eurofighter Typhoon and has not ruled out purchasing additional Lockheed Martin F-35A fifth-generation combat aircraft to supplement the 32 units already on order.
Commitment to F-35 Remains Strong
Despite concerns about pricing disputes leading Switzerland to reassess its F-35 acquisition, Wisniewski emphasized that Warsaw remains committed to its existing $4.6 billion order, originally agreed in 2020.
„F-35 is a very crucial platform for the Polish air power projection concept. I don’t see any issues with that” contract going forward, Wisniewski added.
Poland is set to receive its first F-35 in country next year, with four aircraft currently in the US.
Eyes on US Air Force’s CCA Program
Notably, Wisniewski said that the Polish Air Force is „watching very carefully what the US Air Force is doing right now” in relation to CCA developments.
„My point about the loyal wingman is that the Polish Air Force wants to be a part of this solution. We see this as very important especially [because] we see in Europe less and less combat fighters” operating, he said.
Wisniewski noted that the Polish Air Force is gathering information on the US Air Force’s progress with CCA capabilities, including the recent first flight of new technologies developed by General Atomics and Anduril. He believes that the F-35 is a „perfect platform to carry…this unmanned, teaming type of capabilities.”
Other Acquisitions on the Horizon
Regarding other potential acquisitions, Wisniewski confirmed that the Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft is included „in our planning.” However, he refrained from providing further details pending approval of the new capability plan.
