Polish Air Force KA-50s to be stationed at Mińsk Mazowiecki
On 26 August 2022, on the Polish National Aviation Day, Defense Minister Mariusz Błaszczak announced via his Twitter account that the newly acquired Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) FA-50 light attack aircraft will be stationed at Mińsk Mazowiecki / 23. Baza Lotnictwa Taktycznego (23.BLT, 23rd Tactical Air Base). This air base is currently the home base for the 1. Eskadra Lotnictwa Taktycznego (1st Tactical Fighter Squadron), operating the MiG-29A and MiG-29UB.
Mariusz Błaszczak also said that the F-35A Lightning II Block 4 fighter aircraft will be based at Łask / 32. Baza Lotnictwa Taktycznego (32.BLT, 32nd Tactical Air Base). This air base is currently the home base for the 10. Eskadra Lotnictwa Taktycznego (10th Tactical Fighter Squadron), operating the F-16C and F-16D Fighting Falcon.
The second F-35A Squadron will be based at Swidwin / 21. Baza Lotnictwa Taktycznego (21.BLT, 21st Tactical Air Base). This air base is currently the home for the 8. and 40. Eskadra Lotnictwa Taktycznego (8th and 40th Tactical Fighter Squadron), operating twelve Su-22M-4s and six Su-22UM-3Ks.
A total of 48 FA-50 light attack aircraft are ordered for the Siły Powietrzne RP (Polish Air Force) and the first aircraft are expected to arrive next year. Mariusz Błaszczak stated that the FA-50 will replace the post-Soviet fleet of aircraft operated by Poland.
Photo: just illustrative