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Lockheed Martin has rolled out the first F-35A combat fighter jets that will soon join the Polish Air Force.

What’s the deal: Lockheed Martin hosted Polish defense leaders, including Deputy National Defense Ministers Paweł Bejda and Cezary Tomczyk, at their manufacturing site for an exclusive preview of Poland’s first F-35A combat jet. The F-35A, a multi-role fighter with advanced stealth capabilities, can evade enemy radar and strike with precision. Its cutting-edge technology also enhances pilots’ situational awareness and combat effectiveness.

More on the purchase: In 2020, Poland signed a $4.6 billion deal with Lockheed Martin to purchase 32 F-35A Lightning II combat jets. The first batch is expected to arrive in 2026, with deliveries continuing through 2030.

What officials are saying: During a ceremony at Lockheed, Polish deputy national defense minister Cezary Tomczyk said, “Poland is the only country in the world that shares borders with Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. To keep the borders unchanged, we need the best equipment, the best capability, and the best friends.”

Digging deeper: In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Poland has ramped up defense spending and made significant military acquisitions to strengthen and modernize its armed forces. These include purchasing 250 M1A2 Abrams tanks and 96 AH-64E Apache helicopters from the US. Poland has also invested in Patriot missile defense systems, advanced artillery, and has increased the number of personnel in its military.