Misplaced Pages

Polish Air Force: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editNext edit →Content deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 19:30, 12 March 2024 edit95.26.24.219 (talk)No edit summaryTag: Reverted← Previous edit Revision as of 19:31, 12 March 2024 edit undo95.26.24.219 (talk) All of this is not neededTag: RevertedNext edit →
Line 81: Line 81:
==History== ==History==
{{Main|History of the Polish Air Force}} {{Main|History of the Polish Air Force}}

===Origins===
Military aviation in Poland started even before the officially recognised date of regaining independence (11 November 1918). The very first independent units of the Polish Air Force, in service to the re-emerging Polish sovereign state, were actually formed before, in 1917, before World War I had come to an end.<ref name="bartel">{{cite book|last1=Bartel|first1=Ryszard|last2=Chojnacki|first2=Jan|last3=Królikiewicz|first3=Tadeusz|last4=Kurowski|first4=Adam|date=1978|title=Z historii polskiego lotnictwa wojskowego 1918–1939|location=Warszawa|publisher=Wydawnictwo Ministerstwa Obrony Narodowej}}</ref> When the ] began and the tsardom gradually lost control of the country, Polish pilots took advantage of the chaos and formed spontaneous aerial units in areas of present-day Belarus, south Ukraine, and by the ] river.<ref name="shinden">{{cite web|url=http://www.shinden.org/av_hist/index.php?position=0.3.2|title=I Polski Oddział Awiacyjny|last=Piwoński|first=Paweł|date=1993|website=shinden.org/av_hist|publisher=Historia Lotnictwa Polskiego|access-date=2022-04-28}}</ref> Up until that point Polish pilots had only flown as members of Russian, German or Austro-Hungarian militaries.<ref name="bartel" /> The first known air force units in service to the re-emerging Polish state were: ''I Polski Oddział Awiacyjny'' (1st Polish Aviation Squad) in ] formed on 19 June 1917,<ref name="shinden" /> the 1st and 2nd Aviation Units of the 2nd Corps, the aerial fleet of the ], as well as the ''Samodzielny Polski Oddział Awiacyjny'' (Independent Polish Aviation Squad) in ].<ref>{{cite book|last=Morgała|first=Andrzej|date=1979|title=Samoloty myśliwskie w lotnictwie polskim|location=Warszawa|publisher=Biblioteczka Skrzydlatej Polski, WKŁ}}</ref>

===Establishment===
]
Poland was under German and Austro-Hungarian occupation until ], but the Poles started to take control as the ] collapsed. Initially, the Polish air force consisted of mostly German and Austrian aircraft, left by former occupiers or captured from them, mostly during the ]. These planes were first used by the Polish Air Force in the ] in late 1918, during combat operations centered around the city of ] (now ]).<ref name="sp.mil.pl"> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111025235752/http://sp.mil.pl/en/history-of-the-polish-air-force |date=2011-10-25 }} ''Polish Air Force Public Affairs Office.'' Retrieved November 1, 2011.</ref> On 2 November 1918 pilot ] performed the first combat flight of Polish aircraft from Lwów.<ref>Morgała (1997), p. 97</ref>

When the ] broke out in February 1920, the Polish Air Force used a variety of former German and Austro-Hungarian, as well as newly acquired western-made ] aircraft. Most common at that time were light bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, among most numerous were French ] bombers, German ] reconnaissance aircraft, British ] scouts and Italian ] fighters.<ref name=morg242/>

After the Polish-Soviet War ended in 1921, most of the worn out World War I aircraft were gradually withdrawn and from 1924 the air force started to be equipped with new French aircraft. In total in 1918&ndash;1924 there were 2160 aircraft in the Polish Air Force and naval aviation (not all in operable condition), in which there were 1384 reconnaissance aircraft and 410 fighters.<ref name=morg242>Morgała (1997), pp. 242–244</ref> From 1924 to 1930 the primary fighter of the Polish Air Force was the ] and its main bombers were the French produced ] and the ], which was eventually manufactured in Poland under license from Aéroplanes Henry Potez.

The first Polish-designed and mass-produced aircraft to serve in the country's air force was a high wing fighter, the ], first manufactured in 1930 by the Podlasie Aircraft Factory.

===Inter-war years===
] and ], fighting in the Polish Air Force as part of the ], known as the "Kościuszko Squadron", 1920]]
In 1933, Zygmunt Pulawski's first high wing, all-metal aircraft, the ]a, was designed and produced, with 150 entering service. The design was followed by 30 improved ]a aircraft and a final design, the ]c, was delivered in 1935 and was a respectable fighter for its time; 175 entered service and it remained the only Polish fighter until 1939, by which time foreign aircraft design had overtaken it. Its final version, the ], was built for export only and was bought by four countries. A new fighter prototype, the ] (Hawk), similar to the ] in layout, was curtailed by the Nazi invasion and the ] twin-engine heavy fighter remained a prototype.<ref name="sp.mil.pl" />

As far as bombers are concerned, the Potez 25 and ] were replaced by an all-metal monoplane, the ], with 250 built from 1936 onwards, but by 1939 the Karas was outdated. In 1938 the Polish factory PZL designed a modern twin-engine medium bomber, the ] (Elk). The Łoś had a bomb payload of 2580&nbsp;kg and a top speed of 439&nbsp;km/h. Unfortunately, only about 30 Łoś A bombers (single tailfin) and 70 Łoś B (twin tailfin) bombers had been delivered before the Nazi invasion.

As an observation and close reconnaissance plane, Polish ] used the slow and easily damaged ], and later the ]. Polish naval aviation used the Lublin R-XIII on floats. Just before the war, some Italian torpedo planes, the ], were ordered, but only one was delivered, and it was without armament. The principal aircraft used to train pilots were the Polish-built high-wing ] and the ] biplane. In 1939, Poland ordered 160 ]s and 10 ] fighters from abroad, but they were not delivered before the outbreak of the war.

===1939===
] tactical bomber]]
{{See also|Opposing forces in the Polish September Campaign#Polish Air Force{{!}}Polish September Campaign}}
On 1 September 1939, at the beginning of the ], all the Polish combat aircraft had been dispersed to secondary airfields, contrary to a commonly-held belief, based on German propaganda, that they had all been destroyed by bombing at their airbases. The aircraft destroyed by German bombers on the airfields were mostly ]. The fighters were grouped into 15 escadres; five of them constituted the ], deployed in the ] area. Despite being obsolete, Polish PZL-11 fighters shot down over 170 German aircraft. The bombers, grouped in nine escadres of the ], attacked armoured ground columns but suffered heavy losses. Seven reconnaissance- and 12 observation escadres, deployed to particular armies, were used primarily for reconnaissance. Part of the Polish Air Force was destroyed in the campaign; the surviving aircraft were either captured or withdrawn to Romania, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Slovenia or Sweden, whose air forces subsequently employed these aircraft for their own use (in the case of Romania until 1956).{{citation needed|date=December 2017}} A great number of pilots and aircrew managed to escape to France and then to Britain, where they played a significant part in the defence of the United Kingdom against Nazi invasion, during the ]. Prior to the conflict Poland also bought 234 planes abroad. First of them were on delivery when the conflict started. These were Hawker Hurricane (14 planes), Morane-Saulnier 406 (120 planes) and Fairey Battle (100 planes). The ship SS Lassell with 14 Hawker Hurricanes on board left Liverpool on 28 August 1939, deliveries from France were also on way when the conflict broke out.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.samolotypolskie.pl/samoloty/1904/126/Morane-Saulnier-MS-406C1|title=samolotypolskie.pl – Morane-Saulnier MS-406C1|website=www.samolotypolskie.pl}}</ref>

===Strength of Polish Air Force on 1 September 1939===
] medium bomber]]
] light bomber and reconnaissance aircraft]]
{| class="wikitable"
! style="text-align:center;"|Aircraft<ref>{{cite book | first=Wacław |last=Stachiewicz | title=Wierności dochować żołnierskiej | publisher=OW RYTM | year=1998 | isbn=978-83-86678-71-6 |language=pl}}</ref>
! style="text-align: center;"|Origin
! style="text-align:l center;"|Type
! style="text-align:left;"|Variant
! style="text-align:center;"|In service
! style="text-align: center;"|Notes
|-
! style="align: center; " colspan="7"| ]
|-
|]
|]
|Fighter
|
|175
|Combat formations consisted of 140
|-
|]
|Poland
|Fighter
|
|105
|Combat formations consisted of 30
|-
|]
|Poland
|]
|
| 35
|
|-
|]
|Poland
|Light bomber
|
|170
|Combat formations consisted of 120
|-
|]
|Poland
|Light bomber
|
|6
|Combat formations consisted of 6
|-
|]
|Poland
|Light bomber
|
|2
|Combat formations consisted of 1
|-
|]
|Poland
|]
|
|86
|Combat formations consisted of 36
|-
|]
|Poland
|Medium bomber
|
|15
|
|-
! style="align: center; " colspan="7"| ]
|-
|]
|Poland
|]
|
|150
|Combat formations consisted of 55
|-
|]
|Poland
|]
|
|60
|Combat formations consisted of 40
|-
|]
|Poland
|Reconnaissance
|
|550
|Combat formations consisted of 20
|-
|]
|Poland
|Reconnaissance/trainer
|
|15
|Combat formations consisted of 15
|}

===1940 (France)===
{{main|Polish Air Forces in France}}
] featuring the designation of the GC I/145]]

After the fall of Poland, the Polish Air Force started to regroup in France. The only complete unit created before the German attack on France was the ], flying ] light fighters. It was the only unit operating the C.714 at the time. The Polish pilots were also deployed to various French squadrons, flying on all types of French fighters, but mostly on the ]. After the surrender of France, many of these pilots managed to escape to Britain to continue the fight against the Luftwaffe.

===1940–1947 (United Kingdom)===
{{See also|Polish Air Force in Great Britain}}

Following the ] in 1940, Polish units were formed in the United Kingdom, as a part of the ] and known as the Polish Air Force (PAF). Four Polish squadrons were formed:

* ] and ] flew bombers,
* ] and ] flew ] fighters.

The two Polish fighter squadrons first saw action in the third phase of the ] in August 1940, with much success; the pilots were battle-hardened and Polish flying skills had been well learned from the ]. The pilots were regarded as fearless, sometimes bordering on reckless. Nevertheless, success rates were very high in comparison to UK and Empire pilots. 303 Squadron became the most efficient RAF fighter squadron at that time. Many Polish pilots also flew individually in other RAF squadrons.

As ] progressed, a further twelve Polish squadrons were created in the United Kingdom:

* ] (bomber, then ]),
*] (bomber),
*] (fighter),
*] (night fighter),
*] (fighter),
*] (reconnaissance, then fighter),
*] (fighter),
*] (fighter),
*] (fighter),
*] (fighter-reconnaissance),
*] (air observation/artillery spotting),
* and the ] also known as "] Circus", attached to ].

]

The fighter squadrons initially flew Hurricanes, then switched to ], and eventually to ]s. 307 Squadron, like other ] squadrons (such as ] Royal Canadian Air Force), flew ]s, ]s and finally ]es. The bomber squadrons were initially equipped with ]s and ]s. 300 Squadron was later assigned ]s, 301 Squadron ]es and ] and 305 Squadron, ]es and ]. 663 Squadron (air observation/artillery spotting) flew ] AOP IIIs and Vs. After the war, all equipment was returned to the British, but only some of the pilots and crews actually returned to Poland, with many settling in the United Kingdom, some of whom returned to Poland in 1989 after the fall of communism.

===1943–1945 (Soviet Union)===
{{See also|Air Force of the Polish Army}}
Along with the Polish People's Army (''Ludowe Wojsko Polskie'') in the ], the Polish People's Air Force ''(Ludowe Lotnictwo Polskie)'' was created, in defence of the Soviet Union against Nazi invasion. Three regiments were formed in late 1943:

* the 1st Fighter Regiment "Warszawa", (equipped with ] and ] aircraft),
* the 2nd Night Bomber Regiment "Kraków" (flying ] aircraft – produced in Poland as the ] from 1949 onwards),
* and the 3rd Assault Regiment (flying ] aircraft) were formed.

During 1944–5, further regiments were created, coming together to form the 1st Mixed Air Corps, consisting of a bomber division, an assault division, a fighter division and a mixed division. After the war, these returned to Poland and gave birth to the air force of the ].

===1949–1989===
In 1949, the ]sb transport aircraft was adapted into a bomber and in 1950, Poland received ] and ] bombers from the Soviet Union along with ] and ] training bombers. In 1950 also, the ] fighter came into service, as did the ] transport and the ] trainer. From 1951 onwards, the Polish Air Force was equipped with ] jet fighters and ] jets, along with a training version, the ], and later, in 1961, the ].

As well as Soviet-produced aircraft, from 1952 onwards Soviet MiG-15 and later MiG-17 fighters were produced under licence in Poland as the Lim-1, Lim-2 and later the Lim-5. A domestic ground attack variant of the Lim-5M was developed as the Lim-6bis in 1964. The only jet bomber used by the Polish Air Force during this period was the ], from 1952 onwards. Poland used only a small number of ]s from 1959, in favour of the ] from 1963 onwards, which became its main supersonic fighter. This aircraft was used in numerous variants from MiG-21F-13, through MiG-21PF and MF to MiG-21bis. Later, the Polish Air Force received 37 ]s (1979) and 12 ]s (1989).

The main fighter-bomber and ground attack aircraft after 1949 was the ] (a training version, the ], entering service in 1951). From 1965 onwards, Poland also used a substantial number of ] for bombing and ground attack, replaced with 27 ]s in 1974 and 110 ]s in 1984.

Propeller-driven training aircraft, the ] (in service since 1952), the ] (in service since 1954) and the ] (since 1958) were later replaced by a jet trainer, the domestically built ]. Another Polish jet trainer, the ], was used for some time but, because of continuing problems, all machines were returned to ] for modification and did not resume service. The ] was used as a multirole aircraft from 1951, the ] from 1955 and subsequently the ].

Transport aircraft used by the Polish Air Force during this period included: the ] (first in service in 1955), the ] (first in service in 1961), the ]B (first in service in 1966), the ] (first in service in 1972), the ] (first in service in 1973) and the ]. A number of helicopters were used by the Polish Army: the SM-1 (a ] manufactured under licence), which was a multirole helicopter, in operation since 1956; the ], multirole, since 1958; the ], multirole, since 1960; the ] and ] (later also ]), multirole, since 1968 and the ], a combat helicopter, since 1976. Also the ], an amphibious helicopter, and the ], both used as transports.

In 1954, the Polish Air Force was merged with the Air Defence Force, creating the Air and Country Air Defence Forces (''Wojska Lotnicze i Obrony Przeciwlotniczej Obszaru Kraju''&nbsp; – WLiOPL OK), a military organisation composed of both flying and anti-aircraft units. In 1962, the WLiOPL OK were separated back again into their two original component bodies: the Air Force (''Wojska Lotnicze'') and the Country Air Defence Force (''Wojska Obrony Powietrznej Kraju'').

===Present-day operations===
] at ], 2016]]
After political upheaval and the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, and a consequent reduction in the state of military anxiety in the whole of Europe, the Polish Air Force saw reductions in size. On 1 July 1990 the Polish Air Force and the Air Defence Force were merged again (''Wojska Lotnicze i Obrony Powietrznej''&nbsp;– WLiOP or WLOP). The attack capability of this force consisted primarily of ]s, ]s, ]s, ]s and ]s. The remaining Lim-6bis were withdrawn in the early 1990s, followed soon afterwards by the withdrawal of the remaining Su-20 aircraft. The small number of remaining MiG-23s were withdrawn by 1999. Throughout the 1990s, Poland had not purchased any new combat aircraft and only managed to acquire further MiG-29s from the Czech Republic in 1995 and from Germany in 2004. MiG-21s were finally withdrawn from service in 2003. In 2004, the only remaining combat aircraft flown by the WLiOP were the ] and the ]. As of 2010, the fleet of Su-22s is in need of modernization to retain any value as a combat aircraft and its future is unclear.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.rtl.put.poznan.pl/sites/files/WZLnr2Bydgoszcz.pdf |title=KONFERENCJA "Rozwój techniki, technologii i transportu w lotnictwie" |language=pl |trans-title=Conference 'Development of technology, technology and transport in aviation' |access-date=2013-08-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019154220/http://www.rtl.put.poznan.pl/sites/files/WZLnr2Bydgoszcz.pdf |archive-date=2013-10-19 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In 2002, the ] Block 52+ from the American company Lockheed Martin was chosen as a new multirole fighter for the WLiOP, the first deliveries taking place in November 2006 and continued until 2008 under ] program. As of 2011 the Polish Air Force has three squadrons of F-16s: two stationed at the ] near ] and the ] at the ] near ]. The acquisition of the US F-16 was not without fierce competition from European aerospace companies; the sale was hotly pursued by the French company Dassault, with their ] and by the Swedish company Saab, with the ]. The Polish Block 52+ F-16s are equipped with the latest Pratt and Whitney F-100-229 afterburning turbofan engines, and the avionics suite includes the ](V)9 terrain mapping radar system and the ](V)4 electronic warfare suite. All Polish F-16s can carry modern US precision ordnance, ranging from the JDAM/JSOW to the latest in export-certificate-authorized air-to-air weaponry (including the ] and ]).
] fighters (pictured in ] livery)]]
In the aftermath of the ] in 2010 and later Polish-led investigation, the ], responsible for transporting the President and the Polish Government, was disbanded, while the defense minister resigned.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/08/04/polish-air-force-unit-disbanded-due-to-2010-crash/|title=Polish Air Force Unit Disbanded Due to 2010 Crash|work=Fox News|access-date=24 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150125142551/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/08/04/polish-air-force-unit-disbanded-due-to-2010-crash/|archive-date=25 January 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810165209/http://www.key.aero/view_article.asp?ID=4631&thisSection=military |date=2016-08-10 }} 4-Jan-2012.</ref> A new unit, the 1st Air Base, replaced the 36th regiment. Between June 2010 and December 2017 most official flights were served by two leased ] operated by the ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://flyinginireland.com/2016/11/polish-government-sets-in-motion-measures-to-upgrade-its-vip-aircraft-fleet-as-foreign-affairs-minister-visits-dublin/|title=Polish Government sets in motion measures to upgrade its VIP aircraft fleet as Foreign Affairs Minister visits Dublin|date=November 29, 2016}}</ref> On 14 November 2016 the Defense Ministry ordered two ] VIP planes.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161115135542/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/poland-signs-deal-buy-us-made-gulfstream-vip-43529786 |date=2016-11-15 }} abcnews, Nov 14, 2016.</ref> On 31 March 2017 a deal with ] was signed to supply two ] 2 and one ] for the head of state and the government transport.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170408082156/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/news-releases-statements?item=129874 |date=2017-04-08 }} boeing.com, March 31, 2017.</ref>

On 27 February 2014 Poland signed a €280 million contract with ] for 8 ] advanced training jets.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107141621/http://img.en25.com/Web/flightglobal/%7B88f2f053-6c3d-4ab4-a297-0b453358a560%7D_FC055_PREM_201312.pdf?elq=&elqCampaignId= |date=2016-01-07 }} December 10, 2013</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20171019101149/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/310189/Conventional-AF-Europe-2014-Bulletin.pdf |date=2017-10-19 }} May 15, 2014</ref> The first two Masters arrived in Poland accompanied by ] on 14 November 2016.<ref name="2M-346">{{cite web|last1=Siminski|first1=Jacek|title=The Polish Air Force has received the first two M-346 Master advanced jet trainers|url=https://theaviationist.com/2016/11/15/the-polish-air-force-has-received-the-first-two-m-346-master-advanced-jet-trainers/|website=The Aviationist|date=15 November 2016|access-date=18 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161119063211/https://theaviationist.com/2016/11/15/the-polish-air-force-has-received-the-first-two-m-346-master-advanced-jet-trainers/|archive-date=19 November 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://grztus.pl/2016/11/14/dostawa-pierwszych-m346/ |title=Dostawa pierwszych M346. |access-date=2016-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116014929/http://grztus.pl/2016/11/14/dostawa-pierwszych-m346/ |archive-date=2016-11-16 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 11 December 2014 Polish officials signed a contract with the United States for the purchase of 70 ] Joint Air to Surface Stand off Missile, for US$250 million. Also contained in the contract are upgrades to the fleet of Polish F-16s to be completed by Lockheed Martin.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thenews.pl/1/12/Artykul/190238,Polish-army-on-spending-spree|title=Polish army on spending spree?|work=Polskie Radio dla Zagranicy|access-date=24 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150107194244/http://www.thenews.pl/1/12/Artykul/190238,Polish-army-on-spending-spree|archive-date=7 January 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

On 28 May 2019, the Polish Minister of Defence announced that Poland had sent a request for quotation for the acquisition of 32 F-35A aircraft.<ref>{{cite news |title=Poland plans to buy 32 F-35A fighters: minister |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-poland-fighters-lockheedmartin/poland-plans-to-buy-32-f-35a-fighters-minister-idUSKCN1SY0NQ |work=Reuters |date=28 May 2019}}</ref> On 11 September 2019, the Department of Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced that Poland had been cleared to purchase 32 F-35A fighters, along with associated equipment, for an estimated cost of $6.5 billion.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/poland-f-35-joint-strike-fighter-aircraft|title=Poland – F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft &#124; The Official Home of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency|website=dsca.mil}}</ref> On 27 September 2019 the US Congress approved the sale.<ref>{{cite news |title=US Congress Greenlights Poland's F-35 Jet Purchase – Polish Top Brass |url=https://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/206221/us-congress-approves-poland%E2%80%99s-f_35-jet-purchase.html |access-date=30 September 2019 |agency=TASS}}</ref> On 31 January 2020, Poland signed a $4.6 billion deal for 32 F-35 fighters.<ref name="AP31Jan20">{{cite web |title=Poland signs $4.6 billion contract for US fighter jets |url=https://apnews.com/f2b9986d24eb0715392f3349d4e1f8e8 |website=apnews.com |publisher=AP |date=31 January 2020}}</ref>

On 8 March 2022, the Polish government offered to transfer its entire MiG-29 fleet to the US government via ] as lethal aid to the Ukrainian air force against the ] in return for aircraft of corresponding operational capabilities (most likely F-16s). The exchange was eventually not carried out.<ref name="mig29us">{{Cite web |title=Statement of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland in connection with the statement by the US Secretary of State on providing airplanes to Ukraine - Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of Poland - Gov.pl website |url=https://www.gov.pl/web/diplomacy/statement-of-the-minister-of-foreign-affairs-of-the-republic-of-poland-in-connection-with-the-statement-by-the-us-secretary-of-state-on-providing-airplanes-to-ukraine |access-date=2022-03-08 |website=Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of Poland |language=en-GB}}</ref>

==Equipment==
{{See also|List of retired Polish Air Force aircraft}}
=== Aircraft ===
]]]
] in 2013]]
]
{| class="wikitable"
! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;"|Aircraft
! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;"|Origin
! style="text-align:l center; background:#acc;"|Type
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Variant
! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;"|In service
! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;"|Notes
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7"| ]
|-
| ]
| ]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thefirstnews.com/article/poland-brings-soviet-era-mig-29s-back-into-service-8896 |title=Poland brings Soviet era Mig-29's back into service |publisher= thefirstnews.com |date=2019-11-25|access-date=2020-01-21}}</ref>
| ]
|]<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/picture-polish-air-force-receives-first-upgraded-mig-29-389174/ |title= Polish air force receives first upgraded MiG-29|publisher= flightglobal.com |first=Bartosz|last= Glowacki|date=6 August 2013|accessdate=31 January 2016}}</ref>
| 13<ref>{{cite news|title=Poland transfers ten MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine |url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3706466-poland-transfers-ten-mig29-fighter-jets-to-ukraine.html|agency=]|date=2023-05-08}}</ref>
|
|-
| ]
| Soviet Union
| ]
| ]
| 12<ref name="Piotr">{{Cite web|first=Piotr|last=Butowski|title= NATO'S Last Fitters |url=https://www.key.aero/article/natos-last-fitters|access-date=2022-03-24|date=2019-11-21|work=Key Publishing}}</ref>
|-
|] ]
| ]
|
| 32 on order<ref name="World Air Forces 2024">{{cite web |last = Hoyle |first = Craig |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=98881|title = World Air Forces 2024|publisher= ] |year= 2024 |access-date= 12 December 2023}}</ref>
|-
| ]
| United States
| multirole
|]
| 36<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|
|-
| ]
| ]
| ]
| ]
|12
| 36 ] variants on order<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-31 |title=First batch of Polish FA-50GF delivered |url=https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/first-batch-of-polish-fa-50gf-delivered |access-date=2024-01-01 |website=scramble.nl}}</ref>
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7"|]
|-
| ]
| ]
| ]
|
| 1
| 1 on order<ref>{{cite web |title=Poland receives first Saab 340 AEW aircraft |url=https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/air-warfare/poland-receives-first-saab-340-aew-aircraft/ |access-date=2023-12-26 |date=2023-10-03|publisher=Shephard Media}}</ref>
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7"| ]
|-
| rowspan=2 |]
| rowspan=2 |United States
| rowspan=2 |]
|]
|1<ref name="Pacholski">{{Cite web |last=Pacholski |first=Łukasz |date=2021-10-29 |title=Rządowe BBJ2 w komplecie |url=https://zbiam.pl/rzadowe-bbj2-w-komplecie/ |access-date=2022-04-01 |website=Wydawnictwo militarne ZBIAM |language=pl-PL}}</ref>
|
|-
|]
|2<ref name="Pacholski"/>
|-

| ]
| ]
| transport
|
| 16<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|
|-
| ]
| ]
| transport
|
| 23<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|
|-
| rowspan="2"| ]
| rowspan="2"| United States
| rowspan="2"| ]
|]
| 5<ref>{{cite web|date=|title=Kolejny Hercules zasilił Siły Powietrzne|url=https://defence24.pl/sily-zbrojne/kolejny-hercules-zasilil-sily-powietrzne/|access-date=January 4, 2024|publisher=defence 24.pl}}</ref>
|
|-
|]
| 3<ref>{{cite web|date=|title=Kolejny Hercules zasilił Siły Powietrzne|url=https://defence24.pl/sily-zbrojne/kolejny-hercules-zasilil-sily-powietrzne/|access-date=January 4, 2024|publisher=defence 24.pl}}</ref>
| 2 on order
|-
|]
|United States
|VIP transport
|
|2<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://theaviationist.com/2017/06/22/the-polish-air-force-takes-delivery-of-its-first-gulfstream-g550-vip-aircraft/|title=The Polish Air Force Takes Delivery Of Its First Gulfstream G550 VIP Aircraft|date=2017-06-22|work=The Aviationist|access-date=2017-12-03|language=en-US}}</ref>
|
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7"| ]
|-
| ]
| Soviet Union
| utility
|]
| 11<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|
|-
| ]
| Poland
| liaison
|
| 17<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|
|-
|]
| Poland
| utility
|
|15<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7"| ]
|-
| ]
| ]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thefirstnews.com/article/poland-brings-soviet-era-mig-29s-back-into-service-8896 |title=Poland brings Soviet era Mig-29's back into service |publisher= thefirstnews.com |date=2019-11-25|access-date=2020-01-21}}</ref>
| ]
||]
| 13<ref>{{cite news|title=Poland transfers ten MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine |url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3706466-poland-transfers-ten-mig29-fighter-jets-to-ukraine.html|agency=]|date=2023-05-08}}</ref>
|
|-
|]
|Poland
|] trainer
|
|24<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|
|-
|]
| ]
|advanced trainer
|
|16<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|
|-
| ]
| ]
| multi engine trainer
|
|3<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|
|-
|]
|Poland
|trainer
|
|27<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|
|-
| ]
| Soviet Union
| conversion trainer
| ]
|6<ref name="Piotr"/>
|-
|]
|United States
|rotorcraft trainer
|
|3<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|
|-
|]
|]
|rotorcraft trainer
|
|6<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|
|-
| ]
|United States
|conversion trainer
|]
|12<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7"| ]
|-
|]
|United States
|
|
|
|leasing unspecified number<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Donald |first=David |title=Poland To Lease Reapers Ahead of Planned MQ-9B Buy |url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2022-10-25/poland-lease-reapers-ahead-planned-mq-9b-buy |access-date=2022-11-12 |website=Aviation International News |language=en}}</ref>
|
|-
| ]
| ]
| ]
|
| 12<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-10 |title=Wojsko odbiera kolejne tureckie bezzałogowce |url=https://defence24.pl/sily-zbrojne/wojsko-odbiera-kolejne-tureckie-bezzalogowce |access-date=2021-01-24|publisher=]}}</ref>
| 12 on order.
|}

Note: Three ]'s are available through the ] based in ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sacprogram.org/en/Pages/Heavy-Airlift-Wing.aspx|title=Heavy Airlift Wing|publisher=] Program|access-date=17 April 2020}}</ref>

===Air Defence===
] anti-aircraft systems]]
{| class="wikitable"
! style="text-align:center; background:#aabccc;"|Name
! style="text-align: center; background:#aabccc;"|Origin
! style="text-align:l center; background:#aabccc;"|Type
! style="text-align:l center; background:#aabccc;"|In service
! style="text-align: center; background:#aabccc;" |Notes
|-
|]
|]
|]
|2 launchers<ref>{{cite web|last=Dmitruk|first=Tomasz|date=2020-12-27|title=Ocena stanu realizacji Planu Modernizacji Technicznej Sił Zbrojnych RP na lata 2013–2022, 2017–2026 i 2021–2035 W zestawieniu uwzględniono także wybrane zadania zawarte w Planie Zakupu Środków Materiałowych. wg. stanu na dzień 27 grudnia 2020 roku|url=https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eieubcHp8qHzFDWBMj4YQmDoyiPLYJBH/view|website=Dziennik Zbrojny}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Już 60 zestawów Poprad trafiło do Sił Zbrojnych RP|url=http://dziennikzbrojny.pl/aktualnosci/news,1,11463,aktualnosci-z-polski,juz-60-zestawow-poprad-trafilo-do-sil-zbrojnych-rp|access-date=2021-03-08|website=DziennikZbrojny.pl|language=pl}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=2020-06-25|title=Rozbudowa Centrum Szkolenia Sił Powietrznych|url=https://milmag.pl/rozbudowa-centrum-szkolenia-sil-powietrznych/|access-date=2022-03-23|website=MILMAG|language=pl-PL}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=2021-12-20|title=Poprady dostarczone|url=https://polska-zbrojna.pl/home/articleshow/36046?t=Poprady-dostarczone|access-date=2022-12-31|website=Polska zbrojna|language=pl-PL}}</ref>
|
|-
|]
|]
|]
|2 batteries<ref>{{cite web|title=Wisła i Patrioty za 4,75 mld dolarów. Kontrakt podpisany|url=https://defence24.pl/polityka-obronna/wisla-i-patrioty-za-475-mld-dolarow-kontrakt-podpisany|access-date=2022-03-23|website=defence24.pl|date=28 March 2018 |language=pl}}</ref>
|4 on order
|-
|]
|Poland
|SHORAD
|
|22 on order<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Główne elementy systemu Pilica+ zamówione |url=https://dziennikzbrojny.pl/aktualnosci/news,1,11784,aktualnosci-z-polski,glowne-elementy-systemu-pilica-zamowione}}</ref>
|-
|]
|]
|SHORAD
|
|44 on order<ref name=":1" />
|-
|]<ref name=":0" />
|Poland
|]
|
|
|-
|]<ref>{{cite web|date=2019-08-10|title=Pioruny i nowe Spike już w wojsku – Defence24|url=https://www.defence24.pl/pioruny-i-nowe-spike-juz-w-wojsku|access-date=2021-01-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190810164230/https://www.defence24.pl/pioruny-i-nowe-spike-juz-w-wojsku|archive-date=2019-08-10}}</ref>
|Poland
|MANPADS
|
|
|-
|]
|]
|
|1 battery <ref name=":0">{{cite web|title=Nad Wisłą bezpieczniej?|url=http://dziennikzbrojny.pl/artykuly/art,2,4,10900,armie-swiata,wojsko-polskie,nad-wisla-bezpieczniej|access-date=2021-01-03|website=DziennikZbrojny.pl|language=pl}}</ref>
|
|-
|]
|Soviet Union
|mobile ] system
|51 units<ref name=":0" />
|
|}

=== Radars ===
The 3rd Wrocław Radio Engineering Brigade has several ] types under its command including the Italian made ] a ] system, and the Polish made NUR-15 radar which provides a ] of the controlled airspace. The NUR-31 a mobile unit, employing a medium-range airspace control radar.<ref>{{Cite web|title=RAT-31DL (BACKBONE)|url=https://www.wojsko-polskie.pl/3brt/RAT-31DL/|access-date=2021-01-03|website=Wojsko-Polskie.pl|language=pl}}</ref>

== Structure ==
{{Location map+ | Poland | | float=right | width=480| places=
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>]</small>|lat= 52.133333 |long= 21.016667 |position=left|mark=Lightgreen pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>]</small>|lat= 53.2 |long= 17.8 |position=right|mark=Lightgreen pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>{{nowrap|]}}</small>|lat= 52.233333 |long= 21.016667 |position=top|mark=Green pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>]</small>|lat= 53.783333 |long= 15.766667 |position=right|mark=Yellow pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>]</small>|lat= 54.033333 |long= 19.05 |position=right|mark=Red pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>{{nowrap|]}}</small>|lat= 52.183333 |long= 21.566667 |position=right|mark=Red pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>]</small>|lat= 52.4 |long= 16.916667 |position=left|mark=Orange pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>]</small>|lat= 51.550870 |long= 19.183017 |position=right|mark=Orange pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>]</small>|lat= 52.416667 |long= 17.916667 |position=right|mark=Green pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small></small>|lat= 50.077778 |long= 19.76 |position=right|mark=Lightgreen pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>]</small>|lat= 50.072614 |long= 19.802406|position=right|mark=Green pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>]</small>|lat= 51.566667 |long= 21.861389 |position=right|mark=Green pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>]</small>|lat= 51.4 |long= 21.166667 |position=left|mark=Green pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>]</small>|lat= 52.233333 |long= 20.233333 |position=left|mark=Purple pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>{{nowrap|]}}</small>|lat= 52.433333 |long= 20.866667 |position=top|mark=Purple pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>]</small>|lat= 54.5 |long= 18.55 |position=right|mark=Purple pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>]</small>|lat= 50.383333 |long= 18.9 |position=right|mark=Purple pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>]</small>|lat= 52.6 |long= 15.5 |position=left|mark=Purple pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>]</small>|lat= 54.143889 |long= 15.291667 |position=left|mark=Purple pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>]</small>|lat= 51.1 |long= 17.033333 |position=right|mark=Blue pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>]</small>|lat= 50.683333 |long= 21.75 |position=left|mark=Blue pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>]</small>|lat= 50.086939 |long= 19.740763 |position=left|mark=Pink pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>]</small>|lat= 52.081185 |long= 23.148465 |position=right|mark=Pink pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>]</small>|lat= 51.616231 |long= 19.138946 |position=left|mark=Pink pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>]</small>|lat= 50.621081 |long= 23.339101 |position=right|mark=Blue 0080ff pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>]</small>|lat= 53.466667 |long= 21.133333 |position=right|mark=Blue pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>]</small>|lat= 54.214498 |long= 22.995154 |position=right|mark=Blue 0080ff pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>]</small>|lat= 54.271627 |long= 19.830670 |position=right|mark=Blue 0080ff pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>]</small>|lat= 53.7 |long= 17.566667 |position=right|mark=Blue pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>]</small>|lat= 51.966667 |long= 17.5 |position=right|mark=Steel pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>]</small>|lat= 54.2 |long= 16.183333 |position=right|mark=Steel pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>]</small>|lat= 51.865556 |long= 20.8675 |position=left|mark=Steel pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>]</small>|lat= 49.3 |long= 19.966667 |position=right|mark=Steel pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>]</small>|lat= 52.316667 |long= 16.933333 |position=right|mark=Lightgreen pog.svg}}
|caption= Polish Air Force locations in 2018:<br />] ] ] ] ] ] ] other flying units <br /> ] Air Defense Missile unit <br /> ] Radar unit <br /> ] ] long-range radar stations <br /> ] ] long-range radar stations <br /> ] Command and Control Centre <br /> ] Other units}}
{{Polish Army}}

=== Armed Forces General Command ===
{{Columns-list|colwidth=30em|
* ''']''', in ]<ref>{{cite web |title=Directly subordinate units |url=http://dgrsz.mon.gov.pl/dowodztwo/artykul/departamenty/jednostkiinstytucje-bezposrednio-podlege-1032549/ |publisher=Polish Armed Forces – Armed Forces General Command |access-date=6 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612162226/http://dgrsz.mon.gov.pl/dowodztwo/artykul/departamenty/jednostkiinstytucje-bezposrednio-podlege-1032549/ |archive-date=12 June 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
** '''1st Tactical Aviation Wing''', in ]
*** 21st Tactical Air Base, in ]
**** ], with ]
*** 22nd Tactical Air Base, in ]
**** ], with ]
*** 23rd Tactical Air Base, in ]
**** ], with FA-50GF
** '''2nd Tactical Aviation Wing''', in ]
*** ], in ]-Krzesiny
**** 3rd Aviation Squadron, with ]
**** 6th Aviation Squadron, with F-16C/D 52+
*** ], in ]
**** ], with ]
*** 16th Airfield Maintenance Battalion, in ]
** '''3rd Transport Aviation Wing''', in ]
*** 1st Transport Aviation Base, at ]
**** Aviation Squadron, with ], ]
**** Helicopter Squadron, with ]
*** 8th Transport Aviation Base, at ]
**** 12th Aviation Squadron, with ]
**** ], with ]
*** ], in Powidz
**** ], with ]
**** 7th Special Operations Squadron, with ] and ]
*** 1st Search and Rescue Group, in Świdwin, with ]
*** 2nd Search and Rescue Group, in Mińsk Mazowiecki, with W-3 Sokół
*** 3rd Search and Rescue Group, in Kraków, with W-3 Sokół
** '''4th Training Aviation Wing''', in ]
*** 41st Training Air Base, in Dęblin
**** Aviation Squadron, with ]
**** Helicopter Squadron, with ], ]
*** 42nd Training Air Base, in ]
**** Aviation Squadron, with ]
*** Training and Endurance Centre, in ]
*** Rescue and Parachute Training Centre, in Poznań
** '''3rd Radiotechnical (Radar) Brigade''', in ]
*** 3rd Radiotechnical Battalion, in ]
**** 110th Long Range Radiolocating Post, in ], with ]
**** 360th Long Range Radiolocating Post, in ], with ]
*** 8th Radiotechnical Battalion, in ]
**** 184th Long Range Radiolocating Post, in ], with RAT-31DL
**** 211th Long Range Radiolocating Post, in ], with RAT-31DL
**** 144th Long Range Radiolocating Post, in ], with ]
*** 31st Lower Silesian Radiotechnical Battalion, in ]
**** 170th Long Range Radiolocating Post, in ], with ]
*** 34th Radiotechnical Battalion, in ]
** '''3rd Air Defense Missile Brigade''', in ]
*** 32nd Air Defense Missile Squadron, in ]
*** 33rd Air Defense Missile Squadron, in ]
*** 34th Air Defense Missile Squadron, in ]
*** 35th Air Defense Missile Squadron, in ]
*** 36th Air Defense Missile Squadron, in ]
*** 37th Air Defense Missile Squadron, in Sochaczew-], with ]<ref>{{cite web |title=Intensyfikujemy wdrażanie Patriotów do służby w Siłach Zbrojnych RP |url=https://www.gov.pl/web/obrona-narodowa/intensyfikujemy-wdrazanie-patriotow-do-sluzby-w-silach-zbrojnych-rp |publisher=Polish Government |access-date=10 February 2023}}</ref>
*** 38th Air Defense Security Squadron, in ]
** ] (CRiWWRE)
** Air Force Training Center, in ]
** Aviation Engineering Training Centre, in Dęblin
*** Air Force Non Commissioned Officer School, in Dęblin
** Head of the Armed Forces Air Traffic Service, in Warsaw

=== Armed Forces Operational Command ===
'''Armed Forces Operational Command''', in ]<ref>{{cite web |title=Air Operations Center – Air Component Command |url=http://www.do.wp.mil.pl/info/cop/ |publisher=Polish Armed Forces |access-date=6 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143143/http://www.do.wp.mil.pl/info/cop/ |archive-date=12 June 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Structure |url=http://cop.wp.mil.pl/pl/3.html |publisher=Air Operations Centre – Air Component Command |access-date=6 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180611092646/http://cop.wp.mil.pl/pl/3.html |archive-date=11 June 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
* '''Air Operations Centre – Air Component Command''', in Warsaw-], reports to ]'s ] CAOC Uedem in Germany
** Mobile Air Operations Command Unit, in ]
** 22nd Command and Control Centre, in ]
** 32nd Command and Control Centre, at ]
** 1st Air Operations Coordination Centre, in ]
** 2nd Air Operations Coordination Centre, in ]
** 4th Air Operations Coordination Centre, in ]
}}

==Ranks and insignia==
{{main|Polish Armed Forces rank insignia}}
;Officers
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
{{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Armies/OF/Blank}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Air Forces/OF/Poland}}
|- style="text-align:center;"
|'''Abbreviation'''
| colspan=2| marsz.
| colspan=2| gen.
| colspan=2| gen.broni
| colspan=2| gen.dyw.
| colspan=2| gen.bryg.
| colspan=2| płk
| colspan=2| ppłk
| colspan=2| mjr
| colspan=2| kpt.
| colspan=3| por.
| colspan=3| ppor.
|}

;Other ranks
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
{{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Armies/OR/Blank}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Air Forces/OR/Poland}}
|- style="text-align:center;"
| '''Abbreviation'''
| colspan=3| st.chor.szt.
| colspan=3| st.chor.
| colspan=2| chor.
| colspan=2| mł.chor.
| colspan=6| st.sierż.
| colspan=6| sierż.
| colspan=2| plut.
| colspan=2| st.kpr.
| colspan=2| kpr.
| colspan=6| st.szer.
| colspan=2| szer.
|}

===Qualification badges===
The current aviator badge of the Polish Air Force has been in use since the 1920s. The badge is called ] and represents silver ] in flight with gold laurel wreath in the bill. Navigator/Observer badge (below) represents the same eagle, but in gold with added lightning bolts. The gapa is worn in the usual place on the upper left breast above the pocket, but unlike other air forces it is suspended on a chain. It adorned the uniform of Polish Air Force officers in the RAF during World War II along with their RAF wings. In the combat version (for at least 7 flights in combat conditions) the badge has a green laurel wreath.

{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin:0 12px 12px 0;" style="margin:auto; width:100%;"
|- style="background:#ccc;"
!Badge||Pilot||Observer||
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| ''']<br />Air Forces'''
| style="text-align:center;"| ]
| style="text-align:center;"| ]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"|
| style="text-align:center;"|]
| style="text-align:center;"|]
|- style="text-align:center;"
|Abbreviation||pil.||obs.||
|-
|colspan = 8|
|}

==See also==
* ], creator of the ''Szachownica Lotnicza'' ]
* ], former commander-in-chief of the Polish Air Force
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Bibliography==
*{{cite journal |last1=Comas|first1=Matthieu|title=Les bombardiers polonais de Lyon-Bron |journal=Avions: Toute l'Aéronautique et son histoire |date=September 2000|issue=90 |pages=30–32 |trans-title=The Polish Bombers of Lyon-Bron|language=fr |issn=1243-8650}}
*{{cite book |last= Morgała|first=Andrzej |date= 1997|title= Samoloty wojskowe w Polsce 1918–1924|trans-title= Military aircraft in Poland 1918–1924|language=pl |location= Warsaw|publisher=Lampart |isbn=83-86776-34-X }}
*{{cite book |last1=Nelcarz|first1=Bartolomiej|last2=Peczkowski|first2=Robert|name-list-style=amp |title=White Eagles: The Aircraft, Men and Operations of the Polish Air Force 1918–1939|location=Ottringham, UK |publisher=Hikoki Publications |year=2001|isbn=1-902109-73-2}}

==Further reading==
* ], May 1999 (for details of reorganisation from regiments into squadrons)

==External links==
{{Commons category|Air force of Poland}}
*
*
* , gallery of badges with annotation

{{Military of Poland}}
{{Allied Air Command}}
{{Air forces in Europe}}
{{Air forces}}
{{Authority control}}

]

Revision as of 19:31, 12 March 2024

Aerial warfare branch of Poland's armed forces
Polish Air Force
Siły Powietrzne
Military eagle
Foundedde facto: 1917; 108 years ago (1917)
de jure: 1918; 107 years ago (1918)
Country Poland
TypeAir force
RoleAerial warfare
Size
  • 16,500 personnel
  • 261+ aircraft
Part ofPolish Armed Forces
MarchMarsz Lotników (March of Aviators)
EngagementsPolish–Ukrainian War
Polish–Soviet War
World War II War in Iraq
War in Afghanistan
Operation Inherent Resolve
Websitewww.sp.mil.pl Edit this at Wikidata
Commanders
Commander-in-ChiefAndrzej Duda
Minister of National DefenceWładysław Kosiniak-Kamysz
Chief of the General StaffGeneral Wiesław Kukuła
General CommanderGenerał broni Marek Sokołowski
Inspector of the Air ForceGenerał brygady Ireneusz Nowak [pl]
Insignia
Ceremonial flag
Garrison flag
Aircraft flown
AttackSu-22
FighterF-16, MiG-29
HelicopterMi-8, Mi-17, Mi-2, PZL W-3, PZL SW-4, S-70i
ReconnaissancePZL M-28
TrainerPZL-130, M-346
TransportC-130, C-295, M-28, 737
Military unit

The Polish Air Force (Template:Lang-pl) is the aerial warfare branch of the Polish Armed Forces. Until July 2004 it was officially known as Wojska Lotnicze i Obrony Powietrznej (lit. 'Aerial and Air Defense Forces'). In 2014 it consisted of roughly 16,425 military personnel and about 475 aircraft, distributed among ten bases throughout Poland.

The Polish Air Force can trace its origins to the second half of 1917 and was officially established in the months following the end of World War I in 1918. During the invasion of Poland by Nazi Germany in 1939, 70% of its aircraft were destroyed. Most pilots, after the Soviet invasion of Poland on 17 September, escaped via Romania and Hungary to continue fighting throughout World War II in allied air forces, first in France, then in Britain, and later also the Soviet Union.

History

Main article: History of the Polish Air Force
  1. Cite error: The named reference shinden was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. Cite error: The named reference bartel was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. "Ministerstwo Obrony Narodowej - Portal Gov.pl" (PDF). Ministerstwo Obrony Narodowej. Archived from the original on May 14, 2014.
  4. "World Air Forces 2022". Flightglobal Insight. 2022. Retrieved 14 December 2021.
  5. "Marsz Lotników – (Polish Air Forces March)". YouTube. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
  6. ^ "Ustawa z dnia 19 lutego 1993 r. o znakach Sił Zbrojnych Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej" [Act of 19 February 1993 on the symbols of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland] (PDF). isap.sejm.gov.pl (in Polish). Internet System of Legal Acts. pp. 24–28. Retrieved 10 October 2021.