Defence industry

While the Polish Air Force won't receive its first F-35A Lightning II jet fighters until 2024, this week it was announced that those aircraft could have quite a unique “wingman.” According to multiple reports Poland will not only acquire 32 of the fifth generation stealth fighters under a deal signed in January, but the aircraft's manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, would also supply the Polish military with long-range drones to enhance the operational capabilities of the F-35.

“Both the U.S. and Poland are interested in a next-generation UAS capability,” Jack O’Banion, vice president for strategy and customer requirements at Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works division, said at a press briefing ahead of the MSPO defense industry show, as reported by DefenseNews.

“We've seen the Polish Ministry of Defence’s Technical Modernization Plan, which was released last year, which outlines the UAS need,” added O'Banion, who also said that the company saw “a significant overlap” between the U.S. and Polish tactical requirements for the drones....MORE