Poland Builds Massive Fighter Jet Arsenal to Counter Russia

Europe's new military power is quickly expanding its air force with hundreds of new fighter jets. The move is a direct response to growing threats from Russia.

Poland has started using its first South Korean FA-50 fighter jets for active duty. Since October 2, twelve FA-50GF aircraft have been guarding the country's eastern border. These jets are called "Gap Fillers" because they were bought quickly to replace Polish MiG-29 fighters that were sent to Ukraine.

A Quick Solution With Limited Power

The first FA-50GF jets were delivered in a basic training configuration. They had simple electronics and no weapons at first. Poland later bought AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles and 20mm guns for them. With these weapons, the jets can shoot down attack drones. The twin-seat FA-50 can reach a top speed of Mach 1.5 and carries a 20mm cannon.

A Much Bigger and Stronger Fleet Is Coming

Poland ordered 48 FA-50 jets from Korea Aerospace Industries in 2022. The next 36 jets will be a better version called the FA-50PL. These will have improved radar, better electronics, and the ability to fire AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles and drop precision bombs. Deliveries of the FA-50PL will start in mid-2027 and finish by early 2029. The older FA-50GF jets will later be upgraded to the same standard.

Poland's Full Fighter Jet Plan

Poland is not stopping with the FA-50. The country already operates 47 F-16C/D fighters. It has also ordered 32 advanced F-35A stealth fighters, and the first ones have already arrived. When all deliveries are complete, Poland will have 127 fighter jets in total.

The defense minister has even suggested buying 32 more F-35s in the future.

Preparing for a Real Threat

Poland's military buildup is part of a larger plan to defend against Russia. The country is spending 4.81% of its GDP on defense in 2026 — the highest in its history. Poland is also building fortifications along its borders with Russia and Belarus, and NATO allies are sending troops to help.

The FA-50 was chosen partly because it works well with Poland's existing F-16s and new F-35s. As one of NATO's easternmost members, Poland is becoming a key military power in Europe.