F-16s Arrive In Poland

The first four Advanced Block 52 F-16 Fighting Falcons acquired by the Polish Air Force arrived at their new home at Poznan-Krzesiny Air Base on 9 November. Dignitaries at the arrival included the president of Poland, the minister of national defense, the commander of the Polish Air Force, the US ambassador to Poland, and the commander of US Air Forces in Europe. The arrival event included a blessing of the aircraft and a consecration ceremony. To prepare for the arrival of their new aircraft, Polish pilots and maintainers trained with the 162nd Fighter Wing of the Arizona Air National Guard in Tucson. Forty-eight F-16s will be delivered to Poland under the Peace Sky foreign military sales program.