Published: 8/21/1998

Initially, a batch of seven aircraft, five single- and two two-seaters, will be called for, with more arriving later, up to 18 or even 36.This would allow two fully NATO-compatible squadrons to become operational by the end of 2000. It is expected that the initial batch, which should remain in service until 2005, or later, will cost Poland, approximately US$120m. The step seems to be a dramatic solution for the Polish Air Force, which needs NATO-compatible equipment almost immediately, and in the past little has been made to convert current aircraft. By next year, the service will be seriously reduced to only about ten aircraft, as all early MiG-21s and MiG-23s will be grounded due to a lack of spares.The Polish Ministry of National Defence states that the bid for a new multi-role fighter will be announced soon, but those aircraft will not be operationaluntil at least 2004/5. Also it thinks that the current selection will not influence future selection. Some experts state that the delay ofa few additional years may allow Poland to purchase JSFs, as an early export customer. Leasing might be a sensible solution for the service: however, it will put the Polish aviation industry into serious difficulties, as this has been blamed in the last few years for empty promises about offsets associated with fighter purchases.(DF898.5) (MM)  

Article ID: 263