View source for Polish Air Force

{{Short description|Aerial warfare branch of Poland's armed forces}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name = Polish Air Force
| native_name = {{lang|pl|Siły Powietrzne}}
| image = POL Wojska Lotnicze.svg
| image_size = 130px
| caption = [[Military eagle]]
| start_date = de facto: {{start date and age|1917|df=yes}}<ref name="shinden" /><br />de jure: {{start date and age|1918|df=yes}}<ref name="bartel" />
| country = {{flag|Poland}}
| allegiance = 
| branch = 
| type = [[Air force]]
| role = [[Aerial warfare]]
| size = {{ubl|16,500 personnel<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.pl/web/obrona-narodowa|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140514054742/http://mon.gov.pl/z/pliki/dokumenty/rozne/2014/04/podstawowe_informacje_o_budzecie_resortu_ON_na_2014_r.pdf|url-status=dead|title=Ministerstwo Obrony Narodowej - Portal Gov.pl|archive-date=May 14, 2014|website=Ministerstwo Obrony Narodowej}}</ref>|261+ aircraft<ref name="World Air Forces 2022">{{cite web |last = |first = |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/flight-international/how-afghanistans-fall-reshaped-world-air-forces-inventory/146576.article|title = World Air Forces 2022|publisher= Flightglobal Insight |year= 2022 |doi = |access-date= 14 December 2021|url-access=registration}}</ref>}}
| command_structure = [[Polish Armed Forces]]
| garrison = 
| garrison_label = 
| nickname = 
| patron = 
| motto = 
| colours = 
| colours_label = 
| march = Marsz Lotników (March of Aviators)<ref>{{cite web |title=Marsz Lotników – (Polish Air Forces March) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XO7DS034lRo |website=YouTube | date=28 August 2021 |access-date=30 April 2023}}</ref>
| mascot = 
| anniversaries = 
| equipment = 
| equipment_label = 
| battles = [[Polish–Ukrainian War]]<br />[[Polish–Soviet War]]<br />[[World War II]] 
*[[Invasion of Poland]]
*[[Polish Armed Forces in the West|Western Front]]
*[[Polish Armed Forces in the East|Eastern Front]]
[[Iraq War|War in Iraq]]<br />[[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|War in Afghanistan]]<br />[[Operation Inherent Resolve]]
| decorations = 
| battle_honours = 
| battle_honours_label = 
| flying_hours = 
| website = {{Official URL}}
<!-- Commanders -->| commander1 = [[Karol Nawrocki]]
| commander1_label = [[President of Poland|Commander-in-Chief]]
| commander2 = [[Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz]]
| commander2_label = [[Minister of National Defence (Poland)|Minister of National Defence]]
| commander3 = [[General (Poland)|General]] [[Wiesław Kukuła]]
| commander3_label = [[Polish General Staff|Chief of the General Staff]]
| commander4 = [[General (Poland)|Generał broni]] Marek Sokołowski
| commander4_label = [[Armed Forces General Command (Poland)|General Commander]]
| commander5 = 
| commander5_label = {{ill|Operational Command|pl|Dowódca Operacyjny Rodzajów Sił Zbrojnych}}
| commander6 = [[Generał brygady]] {{ill|Ireneusz Nowak|pl|Ireneusz Nowak}}
| commander6_label = [[Inspector of the Air Force (Poland)|Inspector of the Air Force]]
| notable_commanders = <!-- Insignia -->
| identification_symbol = [[File:Roundel of Poland.svg|50px]]
[[File:Roundel of Poland – Low Visibility.svg|Roundel of Poland – Low Visibility|50px]]
| identification_symbol_label = {{ubl|[[Military aircraft insignia|Roundel]]|<small>([[Polish Air Force checkerboard|Air Force checkerboard]])</small>}}
| identification_symbol_2 = [[File:Flag of the Polish Air Force.svg|100px]]
| identification_symbol_2_label = Ceremonial flag<ref name=flag>{{cite web |title=Ustawa z dnia 19 lutego 1993 r. o znakach Sił Zbrojnych Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej |trans-title=Act of 19 February 1993 on the symbols of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland |url=http://isap.sejm.gov.pl/isap.nsf/download.xsp/WDU19930340154/U/D19930154Lj.pdf |website=isap.sejm.gov.pl |publisher=Internet System of Legal Acts |access-date=10 October 2021 |pages=24–28 |language=pl}}</ref>
| identification_symbol_3 = [[File:POL air force airfields flag IIIRP.svg|100px|border]]
| identification_symbol_3_label = Garrison flag<ref name=flag />
<!-- Aircraft --> | aircraft_bomber = 
| aircraft_electronic = 
| aircraft_fighter = [[F-16]], [[F-35]], [[MiG-29]], [[FA-50]]
| aircraft_helicopter = [[Mil Mi-8|Mi-8]], [[Mil Mi-17|Mi-17]], [[Mil Mi-2|Mi-2]], [[PZL W-3 Sokół|PZL W-3]], [[PZL SW-4 Puszczyk|PZL SW-4]], [[Sikorsky S-70#Variants|S-70i]]
| aircraft_helicopter_attack = 
| aircraft_helicopter_cargo = 
| aircraft_helicopter_multirole = 
| aircraft_helicopter_observation = 
| aircraft_helicopter_trainer = 
| aircraft_helicopter_utility = 
| aircraft_interceptor = 
| aircraft_patrol = 
| aircraft_recon = [[PZL M-28]], [[Bayraktar TB2|TB2]], [[MQ-9]], [[Saab 340 AEW&C|Saab 340]]
| aircraft_trainer = [[PZL-130]], [[M-346]]
| aircraft_transport = [[C-130]], [[C-295]], [[PZL M-28|M-28]], [[Boeing Business Jet|737]]
| aircraft_tanker = 
| aircraft_general = 
}}

The '''Polish Air Force''' ({{langx|pl|Siły Powietrzne||Air Forces}}) is the [[aerial warfare]] [[Military branch|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 26,000 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|History of the Polish Air Force}}

===Origins===
Military aviation in Poland started before the officially recognised date of regaining independence (11 November 1918). The first independent units of the Polish Air Force were formed 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 [[Russian Revolution]] 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 [[Kuban (river)|Kuban]] 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 [[Minsk]] formed on 19 June 1917,<ref name="shinden" /> the 1st and 2nd Aviation Units of the 2nd Corps, the aerial fleet of the [[4th Rifle Division (Poland)|4th Rifle Division]], as well as the ''Samodzielny Polski Oddział Awiacyjny'' (Independent Polish Aviation Squad) in [[Odesa]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Morgała|first=Andrzej|date=1979|title=Samoloty myśliwskie w lotnictwie polskim|location=Warszawa|publisher=Biblioteczka Skrzydlatej Polski, WKŁ}}</ref>

===Establishment===
[[File:The people's war book; history, cyclopaedia and chronology of the great world war (1919) (14779758884).jpg|thumb|right|Polish Air Force fighters, 1919]]
Poland was under German and Austro-Hungarian occupation until [[Armistice of 11 November 1918|the armistice]], but the Poles started to take control as the [[Central Powers]] collapsed. Initially, the Polish air force consisted of mostly German and Austrian aircraft, left by former occupiers or captured from them, mostly during the [[Greater Poland Uprising (1918–19)|Greater Poland Uprising]]. These planes were first used by the Polish Air Force in the [[Polish-Ukrainian War]] in late 1918, during combat operations centered around the city of [[Lwów]] (now [[Lviv]]).<ref name="sp.mil.pl">[http://www.sp.mil.pl/en/history-of-the-polish-air-force History of the Polish Air Force.] {{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 [[Stefan Bastyr]] performed the first combat flight of Polish aircraft from Lwów.<ref>Morgała (1997), p. 97</ref>

When the [[Polish-Soviet War]] 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 [[Allies of World War I|Allied]] aircraft. Most common at that time were light bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, among most numerous were French [[Breguet 14]] bombers, German [[LVG C.V]] reconnaissance aircraft, British [[Bristol F2B]] scouts and Italian [[Ansaldo Balilla]] fighters.<ref name=morg242/>

After the [[Polish–Soviet War|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 [[SPAD 61]] and its main bombers were the French produced [[Potez 15]] and the [[Potez 25]], 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 [[PWS-10]], first manufactured in 1930 by the Podlasie Aircraft Factory.

===Inter-war years===
[[File:Cooper Fauntleroy.jpg|thumb|left|American volunteers, [[Merian C. Cooper]] and [[Cedric Fauntleroy]], fighting in the Polish Air Force as part of the [[Polish 7th Air Escadrille]], known as the "Kościuszko Squadron", 1920]]
In 1933,  [[Zygmunt Puławski|Zygmunt Pulawski's]] first high wing, all-metal aircraft, the [[PZL P.7]]a, was designed and produced, with 150 entering service. The design was followed by 30 improved [[PZL P.11]]a aircraft and a final design, the [[PZL P.11]]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 [[PZL P.24]], was built for export only and was bought by four countries. A new fighter prototype, the [[PZL.50 Jastrząb]] (Hawk), similar to the [[Seversky P-35]] in layout, was curtailed by the Nazi invasion and the [[PZL.38 Wilk]] twin-engine heavy fighter remained a prototype.<ref name="sp.mil.pl" />

As far as bombers are concerned, the Potez 25 and [[Breguet 19]] were replaced by an all-metal monoplane, the [[PZL.23 Karaś]], 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 [[PZL.37 Łoś]] (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 [[Squadron (aviation)|''escadres'']] used the slow and easily damaged [[Lublin R-XIII]], and later the [[RWD-14 Czapla]]. Polish naval aviation used the Lublin R-XIII on floats. Just before the war, some Italian torpedo planes, the [[CANT Z.506]], 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 [[RWD-8]] and the [[PWS-26]] biplane. In 1939, Poland ordered 160 [[MS-406]]s and 10 [[Hawker Hurricane]] fighters from abroad, but they were not delivered before the outbreak of the war.

===1939===
[[File:PZL.43.jpg|thumb|right|A [[PZL.43]] light 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 [[invasion of Poland]], 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 [[trainer (aircraft)|trainers]]. The fighters were grouped into 15 escadres; five of them constituted the [[Pursuit Brigade]], deployed in the [[Warsaw]] area. Despite being obsolete, Polish [[PZL-112 Junior|PZL-11]] fighters shot down over 170 German aircraft. The bombers, grouped in nine escadres of the [[Bomber Brigade]], 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 [[Battle of Britain]]. 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 M.S.406|Morane-Saulnier]] 406 (120 planes) and [[Fairey Battle]] (100 planes). The ship [[SS Russell Sage|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===
[[File:PZL-37 Los.jpg|thumb|[[PZL.37 Łoś]] medium bomber]]
[[File:Pzl23 karas.jpg|thumb|[[PZL.23 Karaś]] 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"| [[Military aircraft#Combat aircraft|Combat aircraft]]
|-
|[[PZL P.11]]
|[[Second Polish Republic|Poland]]
||[[Fighter aircraft|Fighter]]
|
|175
|Combat formations consisted of 140
|-
|[[PZL P.7]]
|Poland
||Fighter
|
|105
|Combat formations consisted of 30
|-
|[[PZL.23 Karaś|PZL.23A]]
|Poland
|[[Light bomber]]
|
| 35
| 
|-
|[[PZL.23 Karaś|PZL.23B]]
|Poland
|Light bomber
|
|170
|Combat formations consisted of 120
|-
|[[PZL.43]]
|Poland
|Light bomber
|
|6
|Combat formations consisted of 6
|-
|[[PZL.46 Sum]]
|Poland
|Light bomber
|
|2
|Combat formations consisted of 1
|-
|[[PZL.37 Łoś]]
|Poland
|[[Medium bomber]]
|
|86
|Combat formations consisted of 36
|-
|[[LWS-6 Żubr]]
|Poland
|Medium bomber
|
|15
| 
|-
! style="align: center; " colspan="7"| [[Surveillance aircraft|Surveillance]]
|-
|[[Lublin R-XIII|Lublin R XIII]]
|Poland
|[[Army cooperation aircraft|Spotter]]
|
|150
|Combat formations consisted of 55
|-
|[[RWD-14 Czapla]]
|Poland
|[[Reconnaissance aircraft|Reconnaissance]]
|
|60
|Combat formations consisted of 40
|-
|[[RWD 8]]
|Poland
|Reconnaissance
|
|550
|Combat formations consisted of 20
|-
|[[PWS-16]]
|Poland
|Reconnaissance / [[Trainer aircraft|Trainer]]
|
|15
|Combat formations consisted of 15
|}

===1940 (France)===
{{main|Polish Air Forces in France}}
[[File:PSP Dywizjon 302.svg|thumb|right|135px|The emblem of the [[No. 302 Polish Fighter Squadron]] featuring the designation of the GC I/145]]
[[File:PSP Dywizjon 303.svg|thumb|right|135px|The emblem of the [[No. 303 Squadron RAF]]]]

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 [[I/145 Polish Fighter Squadron|GC I/145 fighter squadron]], flying [[Caudron C.714]] 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 [[MS-406]]. 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 Forces in France and Great Britain}}

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

* [[No. 300 Polish Bomber Squadron|300 Squadron]] and [[No. 301 Polish Bomber Squadron|301 Squadron]] flew bombers, 
* [[No. 302 Polish Fighter Squadron|302 Squadron]] and [[No. 303 Squadron RAF|303 Squadron]] flew [[Hawker Hurricane]] fighters.

The two Polish fighter squadrons first saw action during the third phase of the [[Battle of Britain]] in August 1940, with much success; with many of the pilots being experienced and battle-hardened during the [[Invasion of Poland]]. The pilots were regarded as fearless, often bordering on reckless. However, success rates for these squadrons were often greater in comparison to UK and Commonwealth squadrons, with the 303 Squadron becoming the most efficient RAF fighter squadron at that time. Many Polish pilots also flew individually in other RAF squadrons.

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

* [[No. 304 Polish Bomber Squadron]] (bomber, then [[RAF Coastal Command]]), 
*[[No. 305 Polish Bomber Squadron]] (bomber),
*[[No. 306 Polish Fighter Squadron]] (fighter),
*[[No. 307 Polish Night Fighter Squadron]] (night fighter),
*[[No. 308 Polish Fighter Squadron]] (fighter),
*[[No. 309 Polish Fighter-Reconnaissance Squadron]] (reconnaissance, then fighter),
*[[No. 315 Polish Fighter Squadron]] (fighter),
*[[No. 316 Polish Fighter Squadron]] (fighter),
*[[No. 317 Polish Fighter Squadron]] (fighter),
*[[No. 318 Polish Fighter-Reconnaissance Squadron]] (fighter-reconnaissance),
*[[No. 663 Squadron|No. 663 Polish Air Observation Post Squadron]]  (air observation/artillery spotting),
* and the [[Polish Fighting Team]] also known as "[[Stanisław Skalski|Skalski's]] Circus", attached to [[No. 145 Squadron RAF|145 Squadron RAF]].

[[File:Polish airforce memorial, St Clements.jpg|thumb|The Polish squadrons in the RAF memorial at [[St Clement Danes]] church in London]]

The fighter squadrons initially flew Hurricanes, then switched to [[Supermarine Spitfire]]s, and eventually to [[North American P-51 Mustang|North American Mustang]]s. 307 Squadron, like other [[night fighter]] squadrons (such as [[410 Tactical Fighter Operational Training Squadron|410 Squadron]] Royal Canadian Air Force), flew [[Boulton Paul Defiant]]s, [[Bristol Beaufighter]]s and finally [[de Havilland Mosquito]]es. The bomber squadrons were initially equipped with [[Fairey Battle]]s and [[Vickers Wellington]]s. 300 Squadron was later assigned [[Avro Lancaster]]s, 301 Squadron [[Handley Page Halifax]]es and [[Consolidated B-24 Liberator|Consolidated Liberators]] and 305 Squadron, [[de Havilland Mosquito]]es and [[North American B-25 Mitchell|North American Mitchells]]. 663 Squadron (air observation/artillery spotting) flew [[Taylorcraft Auster]] 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 [[USSR]], 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 [[Yak-1]] and [[Yak-9]] aircraft), 
* the 2nd Night Bomber Regiment "Kraków" (flying [[Polikarpov Po-2]] aircraft – produced in Poland as the [[CSS-13]] from 1949 onwards), 
* and the 3rd Assault Regiment (flying [[Ilyushin Il-2]] 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 [[People's Republic of Poland]].

===1949–1989===
In 1949, the [[Li-2]]sb transport aircraft was adapted into a bomber and in 1950, Poland received [[Petlyakov Pe-2]] and [[Tupolev Tu-2]] bombers from the Soviet Union along with [[Tupolev SB-1|USB-1]] and [[Tupolev SB-2|USB-2]] training bombers. In 1950 also, the [[Yak-17]] fighter came into service, as did the [[Ilyushin Il-12]] transport and the [[Yak-18]] trainer. From 1951 onwards, the Polish Air Force was equipped with [[Yak-23]] jet fighters and [[MiG-15]] jets, along with a training version, the [[MiG-15|MiG-15 UTI]], and later, in 1961, the [[MiG-17]].

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 [[Ilyushin Il-28]], from 1952 onwards. Poland used only a small number of [[MiG-19]]s from 1959, in favour of the [[MiG-21]] 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 [[MiG-23]]s (1979) and 12 [[MiG-29]]s (1989).

The main fighter-bomber and ground attack aircraft after 1949 was the [[Ilyushin Il-10|Il-10]] (a training version, the [[Ilyushin Il-10|UIl-10]], entering service in 1951). From 1965 onwards, Poland also used a substantial number of [[Sukhoi Su-7|Su-7Bs]] for bombing and ground attack, replaced with 27 [[Sukhoi Su-20]]s in 1974 and 110 [[Sukhoi Su-22]]s in 1984.

Propeller-driven training aircraft, the [[LWD Junak|Junak-2]] (in service since 1952), the [[LWD Junak|TS-9 Junak-3]] (in service since 1954) and the [[PZL TS-8 Bies]] (since 1958) were later replaced by a jet trainer, the domestically built [[TS-11 Iskra]]. Another Polish jet trainer, the [[PZL I-22 Iryda]], was used for some time but, because of continuing problems, all machines were returned to [[Państwowe Zakłady Lotnicze|PZL]] for modification and did not resume service. The [[Yak-12]] was used as a multirole aircraft from 1951, the [[An-2]] from 1955 and subsequently the [[PZL-104 Wilga|Wilga-35 P]].

Transport aircraft used by the Polish Air Force during this period included: the [[Ilyushin Il-14|Il-14]] (first in service in 1955), the [[Ilyushin Il-18|Il-18]] (first in service in 1961), the [[An-12]]B (first in service in 1966), the [[An-26]] (first in service in 1972), the [[Yak-40]] (first in service in 1973) and the [[Tupolev Tu-154]]. A number of helicopters were used by the Polish Army: the SM-1 (a [[Mil Mi-1]] manufactured under licence), which was a multirole helicopter, in operation since 1956; the [[Mil Mi-4]], multirole, since 1958; the [[PZL SM-2]], multirole, since 1960; the [[Mil Mi-2]] and [[Mil Mi-8]] (later also [[Mil Mi-17]]), multirole, since 1968 and the [[Mil Mi-24]], a combat helicopter, since 1976. Also the [[Mil Mi-14]], an amphibious helicopter, and the [[Mil Mi-6]], 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===
[[File:105 Polish Air Force MiG-29A Fulcrum ILA Berlin 2016 10.jpg|thumb|Polish Air Force [[Mikoyan MiG-29A]] at [[ILA Berlin Air Show]], 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 during the 1990s and early 2000s, 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 [[MiG-21]]s, [[MiG-23]]s, [[MiG-29]]s, [[Su-20]]s and [[Su-22]]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 did not purchase 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 fully withdrawn from service in 2003. In 2004, the only remaining combat aircraft flown by the WLiOP were the [[MiG-29]] and the [[Su-22]]. 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 [[F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16C/D]] 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 [[F-16 Fighting Falcon operators#Poland|Peace Sky]] program. As of 2011 the Polish Air Force has three squadrons of F-16s: two stationed at the [[31st Tactical Air Base]] near [[Poznań]] and the [[10th Tactical Squadron]] at the [[32nd Air Base]] near [[Łask]]. 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 [[Mirage 2000]] and by the Swedish company Saab, with the [[JAS 39 Gripen]]. 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 [[APG-68]](V)9 terrain mapping radar system and the [[ALQ-211]](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 [[AIM-120C|AIM-120C-5]] and [[AIM-9X]]).
[[File:F-35A flight (cropped).jpg|thumb|In 2020, Poland placed an order for 32 [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35A Lightning II]] fighters (pictured in [[USAF]] livery)]]
In the aftermath of the [[2010 Polish Air Force Tu-154 crash|presidential Tu-154 crash]] in 2010 and later Polish-led investigation, the [[36th Special Aviation Regiment]], responsible for transporting the President and the Polish Government, was disbanded, while the defense minister resigned.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/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>[http://www.key.aero/view_article.asp?ID=4631&thisSection=military Polish Air Force VIP Unit Formally Disbanded.] {{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 [[Embraer E-175]] operated by the [[LOT Polish Airlines]].<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 [[Gulfstream G550]] VIP planes.<ref>[https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/poland-signs-deal-buy-us-made-gulfstream-vip-43529786 Poland Signs Deal to Buy 2 US-Made Gulfstream VIP Planes.] {{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 [[Boeing Company]] was signed to supply two [[Boeing Business Jet]] 2 and one [[Boeing 737 Next Generation|Boeing 737-800]] for the head of state and the government transport.<ref>[http://boeing.mediaroom.com/news-releases-statements?item=129874 Boeing Business Jets, Government of Poland Sign Multi-Airplane Deal.] {{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 [[Alenia Aermacchi]] for 8 [[Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master|M-346 Master]] advanced training jets.<ref>[http://img.en25.com/Web/flightglobal/%7B88f2f053-6c3d-4ab4-a297-0b453358a560%7D_FC055_PREM_201312.pdf?elq=&elqCampaignId= World Air Forces 2014] {{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>[https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/310189/Conventional-AF-Europe-2014-Bulletin.pdf"Vehicle and aircraft holdings within the scope of the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe Treaty 2014"] {{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 [[Team Iskry]] 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 [[AGM-158]] 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|access-date=2022-03-24|archive-date=2019-09-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190912125304/https://dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/poland-f-35-joint-strike-fighter-aircraft|url-status=dead}}</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-35A 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 [[Ramstein Air Base]] as lethal aid to the Ukrainian air force against the [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine|ongoing Russian invasion]] 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|List of Polish military aircraft}}

=== Aircraft ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Aircraft
! Image
! Origin
! Type
! Variant
! In service
! Notes
|-
! colspan="7"| [[Military aircraft#Combat aircraft|Combat aircraft]]
|-
| rowspan="2"| '''[[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16 Fighting Falcon]]'''
| rowspan="2"| [[File:Polish_Air_Force_(4058)_F-16C_Fighting_Falcon.jpg|160x160px]]
| rowspan="2"| {{USA}}
| rowspan="2"| multirole
|[[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon variants#F-16C/D|F-16C]]
| 35<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|One was lost in practice preparations for [[Radom Air Show]] on August 28, 2025.
|-
|F-16D
|12<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|Used for conversion training
|-
|'''[[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35 Lightning II]]'''
|[[File:F-35_Poland_2020_acquisition_deal_signing_ceremony.jpg|160x160px]]
|{{USA}}
|[[Stealth aircraft|stealth]] multirole
| [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II#Variants|F-35A]]
| 7<ref>{{Cite web| url = https://defence24.pl/sily-zbrojne/polskie-f-35-w-bazie-gwardii-narodowej-beda-sluzyc-do-szkolenia| title = Polskie F-35 w bazie Gwardii Narodowej. Będą służyć do szkolenia| website = Defence24| access-date = 2025-01-19}}</ref><ref name="defence24.pl">{{Cite web| url = https://defence24.pl/sily-zbrojne/przelomowy-rok-dla-polskiego-lotnictwa | title = Przelomowy rok dla polskiego lotnictwa
 | website = Defence24| access-date = 2025-01-19}}</ref>
| 32 ordered.<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= [[Flightglobal|Flightglobal Insight]] |year= 2024 |access-date= 12 December 2023}}</ref> 2 used for training.<ref name="defence24.pl"/>
|-
| '''[[T-50 Golden Eagle|KAI FA-50]]'''
|[[File:FA-50_PAF_5001_at_NATO_Days_2023.jpg|160x160px]]
| {{Flag|South Korea}}
| [[Light fighter|light]] [[Multirole combat aircraft|multirole]]
| [[KAI T-50 Golden Eagle#Variants|FA-50GF]]
|12
| 36 [[KAI T-50 Golden Eagle#Variants|PL]] 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>
|-
| rowspan="2"| '''[[Mikoyan MiG-29]]'''
| rowspan="2"|[[File:AIRPOWER16 - Die Vorbereitungen (28757447844).jpg|160px]]
| rowspan="2"| {{Flag|Soviet Union}}<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>
| rowspan="2"|[[Multirole combat aircraft|multirole]]
|[[MiG-29#Variants|MiG-29A]]<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>
| 11<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=[[Ukrinform]]|date=2023-05-08}}</ref>
| 
|-
|MiG-29UB
| 3 
| Used for [[Trainer aircraft#Operational conversion|conversion training]] 
|-
! colspan="7"| [[Airborne early warning and control]]
|-
| '''[[Saab 340 AEW&C|Saab 340]]'''
|[[File:S 100B at Malmen 2010-06-13 1.jpg|160px]]
| {{SWE}}
| [[Airborne early warning and control|AEW&C]]
| Saab 340 AEW&C
| 2<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-11 |title=Saab delivers second early warning aircraft to Poland |url=https://defence-industry.eu/saab-delivers-second-early-warning-aircraft-to-poland/ |access-date=2024-06-11 |language=en}}</ref>
| [[Erieye|Erieye system]]
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7"| [[Military transport aircraft|Transport]]
|-
| rowspan=2 |'''[[Boeing 737 Next Generation|Boeing 737]]'''
| rowspan=2 |[[File:Polish Government (0110) Boeing 737-800 - LHR (42525378332).jpg|160px]]
| rowspan=2 | {{USA}}
| rowspan=2 |[[Air transports of heads of state and government|VIP transport]]
|[[Boeing 737 Next Generation#Variants|800]] 
|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>
|
|-
|[[Boeing Business Jet|BBJ2]] 
|2<ref name="Pacholski"/>
|
|-
| '''[[EADS CASA C-295|CASA C-295]]'''
|[[File:Polish Air Force C-295 (cropped).jpg|160px]]
| {{ESP}}
| transport 
| 
| 16<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|
|-
| rowspan="2"| '''[[Lockheed C-130 Hercules|C-130 Hercules]]'''
| rowspan="2"| [[File:Polish_Air_Force_C-130_(cropped).jpg|160x160px]]
| rowspan="2"| {{USA}}
| rowspan="2"| [[tactical airlifter]]
|[[Lockheed C-130 Hercules#Variants|C-130E]] 
| 5<ref name="defence 24.pl">{{cite web|date=12 December 2023|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>
|
|-
|C-130H
| 3<ref name="defence 24.pl"/>
| 2 on order
|-
|'''[[Gulfstream G550]]'''
|[[File:Guflstream G550 0002 Polish Air Force.jpg|160px]]
|{{USA}}
|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>
|
|-
| '''[[PZL M28 Skytruck]]'''
|[[File:PZL-Mielec M-28B PT Bryza 1TD.jpg|160px]]
| {{POL}}
| transport
| 
| 23<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
| 
|-
! colspan="7"| [[Helicopter]]s
|-
| '''[[Mil Mi-17|Mil Mi-8]]'''
|[[File:Mi-17, Radom Air Show 2007.jpg|160px]]
| {{Flag|Soviet Union}}
| [[utility]]
|[[Mil Mi-17#Variants|Mi-8/17]]
| 11<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|
|-
| '''[[PZL Mi-2]]'''
|[[File:Krzesiny 106RB.JPG|160px]]
| {{POL}}
| liaison 
|
| 17<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|
|-
|'''[[PZL W-3 Sokół]]'''
|[[File:PZL W-3 RL Sokół.jpg|160px]]
| {{POL}}
| utility
|
|5<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|
|-
! colspan="7"| [[Trainer aircraft]]
|-
|'''[[Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master|Alenia M-346]]'''
|[[File:M346 Bielik (Radom 2018).jpg|160px]]
| {{ITA}}
|advanced trainer
|
|15<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|1 lost July 2024
|-
| '''[[Diamond DA42]]'''
|[[File:OH-DAC_Tour_de_Sky_Oulu_20140810_02.JPG|160x160px]]
| {{AUT}}
| multi engine trainer
| 
|3<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|
|-
|'''[[Guimbal Cabri G2]]'''
|[[File:Starlite_Cabri_G2_ZT-RSC_(cropped).jpg|160x160px]]
|{{FRA}}
|rotorcraft trainer
|
|6<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|
|-
|'''[[PZL SW-4]]'''
|[[File:PZL SW-4 Puszczyk 2.JPG|160px]]
|{{POL}}
|[[Helicopter|rotorcraft]] trainer
|
|24<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|
|-
|'''[[PZL-130 Orlik]]'''
|[[File:PZL-130TC-2 Orlik 030 (11842110614).jpg|160px]]
|{{POL}}
|trainer
|
|27<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|
|-
|'''[[Robinson R44]]'''
|[[File:Robinson_R44_II_(cropped).jpg|160x160px]]
|{{USA}}
|rotorcraft trainer
|
|3<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|
|-
! colspan="7"| [[Unmanned aerial vehicle]]s
|-
| rowspan="2"| '''[[General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper|MQ-9 Reaper]]'''
| rowspan="2"|[[File:MQ-9 Reaper in flight (2007).jpg|160px]]
| rowspan="2"| {{USA}}
| rowspan="2"| [[Unmanned combat aerial vehicle|UCAV]]
|MQ-9A
| style="text-align: center;" |—
|Leasing undisclosed 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>
|-
|[[General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper#SkyGuardian|MQ-9B]]
|0
|3 on order<ref>{{cite web | title = Poland acquires General Atomics MQ-9B SkyGuardian in $310M deal | url = https://breakingdefense.com/2024/12/poland-acquires-general-atomics-mq-9b-skyguardian-in-310m-deal/ | author = Breaking Defense | date = December 2024 | website = Breaking Defense | accessdate = }}</ref>
|-
| '''[[Bayraktar TB2]]'''
|[[File:PAF_Bayraktar_TB2_at_Radom-2023.jpg|160x160px]]
| {{TUR}}
| UCAV
|
| 24<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-15 |title=Ostatnie Bayraktary dotarły do Polski |url=https://defence24.pl/przemysl/ostatnie-bayraktary-dotarly-do-polski |access-date=2024-05-15|publisher=Defence24|first=Aleksander|last= Skrzypek|language=pl}}</ref>
| 
|}

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

===Air defence===
{| class="wikitable"
! Name
! Image
! Origin
! Type
! In service
! Notes
|-
|'''[[MIM-104 Patriot#PAC-3 MSE|MIM-104F Patriot]]'''
|[[File:JASDF_MIM-104_PAC-3_Launcher.JPG|160x160px]]
|{{USA}}
|[[High to medium air defense|HIMAD]]
|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> 
|6 batteries on order. Utilizes [[Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System|IBCS]].
|-
|'''[[CAMM (missile family)#Poland|NAREW]]'''
|
|{{POL}}<br>{{GRB}}
|[[Short range air defense|SHORAD]] 
|6 launchers<ref>{{cite web|date=2023-09-15|title=Drugi zestaw Mała Narew już w Wojsku Polskim|url=https://milmag.pl/drugi-zestaw-mala-narew-juz-w-wojsku-polskim/|website=Milmag|language=pl-PL}}</ref>
|100 on order<ref>{{cite web|date=2023-08-11|title=Przełomowa umowa na produkcję w Polsce wyrzutni i rakiet systemu Narew|url=https://dziennikzbrojny.pl/aktualnosci/news,1,11933,aktualnosci-z-polski,przelomowa-umowa-na-produkcje-w-polsce-wyrzutni-i-rakiet-systemu-narew|website=Dziennikzbrojny|language=pl-PL}}</ref>
|-
|'''[[PSR-A Pilica (anti-aircraft system)|PSR-A Pilica]]'''
|[[File:Pilica_CA_MSPO21.jpg|160x160px]]
|{{POL}}
|[[Short range air defense|VSHORAD]]
|6 batteries<ref>{{cite web|date=2023-12-01|title=Wszystkie zestawy Pilica przekazane Wojsku Polskiemu|url=https://defence24.pl/polityka-obronna/wszystkie-zestawy-pilica-przekazane-wojsku-polskiemu|website=Defence24|language=pl-PL}}</ref>
|22 batteries 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>
|-
|'''[[PZR Grom|PPZR Grom]]'''<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>
|[[File:PZR-Grom-01.jpg|160x160px]]
|{{POL}}
|[[Man-portable air-defense system|MANPADS]]
|
|used by [[PSR-A Pilica (anti-aircraft system)|PSR-A Pilica]]
|-
|'''[[Piorun (missile)|PPZR Piorun]]'''<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>
|[[File:PPZR_Piorun_Grom-M.jpg|160x160px]]
|{{POL}}
|[[Man-portable air-defense system|MANPADS]]
|
|used by [[PSR-A Pilica (anti-aircraft system)|PSR-A Pilica]]
|-
|'''[[S-125 Neva/Pechora|S-125 Neva]]'''
|[[File:Anakonda_2006_Z3.jpg|160x160px]]
|{{Flag|Soviet Union}}
|mobile SAM system
|51 units<ref name=":0" />
|   
|}

=== Radars ===
The 3rd Wrocław Radio Engineering Brigade has several [[radar]] types under its command including the Italian made [[Selex RAT-31DL|RAT-31DL]] an [[Active electronically scanned array|AESA]] system, the Polish made NUR-15 radar which provides a [[3D radar|3D picture]] of the controlled airspace, and the mobile unit NUR-31 - 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>[[Pyry (neighborhood)|Pyry]]</small>|lat= 52.133333 |long= 21.016667 |position=left|mark=Lightgreen pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>[[Gmina Sicienko|Osówiec]]</small>|lat= 53.2 |long= 17.8 |position=right|mark=Lightgreen pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>{{nowrap|[[Warsaw Chopin Airport|Warszawa-Okęcie]]}}</small>|lat= 52.233333 |long= 21.016667 |position=top|mark=Green pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>[[Świdwin]]</small>|lat= 53.783333 |long= 15.766667 |position=right|mark=Yellow pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>[[Malbork]]</small>|lat= 54.033333 |long= 19.05 |position=right|mark=Red pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>{{nowrap|[[Mińsk Mazowiecki]]}}</small>|lat= 52.183333 |long= 21.566667 |position=right|mark=Turquoise pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>[[Poznań]]</small>|lat= 52.4 |long= 16.916667 |position=left|mark=Orange pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>[[Łask]]</small>|lat= 51.550870 |long= 19.183017 |position=right|mark=Orange pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>[[Powidz]]</small>|lat= 52.416667 |long= 17.916667 |position=right|mark=Green pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=|lat= 50.077778 |long= 19.76 |position=right|mark=Lightgreen pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>[[John Paul II International Airport Kraków–Balice|Kraków-Balice]]</small>|lat= 50.072614 |long= 19.802406|position=right|mark=Green pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>[[Dęblin]]</small>|lat= 51.566667 |long= 21.861389 |position=right|mark=Green pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>[[Radom]]</small>|lat= 51.4 |long= 21.166667 |position=left|mark=Green pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>[[Sochaczew]]</small>|lat= 52.233333 |long= 20.233333 |position=left|mark=Purple pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>{{nowrap|[[Olszewnica Stara]]}}</small>|lat= 52.433333 |long= 20.866667 |position=top|mark=Purple pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>[[Gdynia]]</small>|lat= 54.5 |long= 18.55 |position=right|mark=Purple pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>[[Bytom]]</small>|lat= 50.383333 |long= 18.9 |position=right|mark=Purple pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>[[Skwierzyna]]</small>|lat= 52.6 |long= 15.5 |position=left|mark=Purple pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>[[Mrzeżyno]]</small>|lat= 54.143889 |long= 15.291667 |position=left|mark=Purple pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>[[Wrocław]]</small>|lat= 51.1 |long= 17.033333 |position=right|mark=Blue pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>[[Sandomierz]]</small>|lat= 50.683333 |long= 21.75 |position=left|mark=Blue pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>[[Brzoskwinia, Lesser Poland Voivodeship|Brzoskwinia]]</small>|lat= 50.086939 |long= 19.740763 |position=left|mark=Pink pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>[[Roskosz]]</small>|lat= 52.081185 |long= 23.148465 |position=right|mark=Pink pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>[[Wronowice, Łódź Voivodeship|Wronowice]]</small>|lat= 51.616231 |long= 19.138946 |position=left|mark=Pink pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>[[Łabunie]]</small>|lat= 50.621081 |long= 23.339101 |position=right|mark=Blue 0080ff pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>[[Lipowiec, Szczytno County|Lipowiec]]</small>|lat= 53.466667 |long= 21.133333 |position=right|mark=Blue pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>[[Szypliszki]]</small>|lat= 54.214498 |long= 22.995154 |position=right|mark=Blue 0080ff pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>[[Chruściel]]</small>|lat= 54.271627 |long= 19.830670 |position=right|mark=Blue 0080ff pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>[[Chojnice]]</small>|lat= 53.7 |long= 17.566667 |position=right|mark=Blue pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>[[Jarocin]]</small>|lat= 51.966667 |long= 17.5 |position=right|mark=Steel pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>[[Koszalin]]</small>|lat= 54.2 |long= 16.183333 |position=right|mark=Steel pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>[[Grójec]]</small>|lat= 51.865556 |long= 20.8675 |position=left|mark=Steel pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>[[Zakopane]]</small>|lat= 49.3 |long= 19.966667 |position=right|mark=Steel pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>[[Babki, Greater Poland Voivodeship|Babki]]</small>|lat= 52.316667 |long= 16.933333 |position=right|mark=Lightgreen pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Poland | background = white |label=<small>[[Mirosławiec]]</small>|lat= 53.343889 |long= 16.087222 |position=left|mark=Green pog.svg}}
|caption= Polish Air Force locations in 2025:<br>[[File:Red pog.svg|8px]] [[Mikoyan MiG-29|MiG-29A/UB]] [[File:Orange pog.svg|8px]] [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16C/D 52+]] [[File:Yellow pog.svg|8px]] [[Sukhoi Su-17|Su-22M4/M3K]] [[File:Turquoise pog.svg|8px]] [[FA-50GF]] [[File:Green pog.svg|8px]] other flying units <br> [[File:Purple pog.svg|8px]] Air Defense Missile unit <br> [[File:Blue pog.svg|8px]] Radar unit <br> [[File:Pink pog.svg|8px]] NUR-12M long-range radar stations <br> [[File:Blue 0080ff pog.svg|8px]] [[Selex RAT-31DL|RAT-31DL]] long-range radar stations <br> [[File:Lightgreen pog.svg|8px]] Command and Control Centre <br> [[File:Steel pog.svg|8px]] Other units}}
{{Polish Army}}

=== Armed Forces General Command ===
{{Columns-list|colwidth=30em|
* '''[[Armed Forces General Command (Poland)|Armed Forces General Command]]''', in [[Warsaw]]<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 Air Wing''', in [[Świdwin]]<ref>{{cite web |title=1st Tactical Air Wing - Subordinate units |url=https://www.wojsko-polskie.pl/1slt/None/ |publisher=1st Tactical Air Wing |access-date=27 February 2025}}</ref>
*** [[12th Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Base]], [[Mirosławiec]], with [[Bayraktar TB2]] and [[General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper|MQ-9 Reaper]]
*** 21st Tactical Air Base, in [[Świdwin]], with [[Sukhoi Su-17|Su-22M4/UM3K]] (to be replaced by [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35A]])<ref name="F-35A">{{cite web |last1=Suciu |first1=Peter |title=Russia Is Watching: Poland's First F-35 Husarz To Arrive This Summer |url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/russia-watching-polands-first-f-35-husarz-arrive-summer-210946 |publisher=The National Interest |access-date=27 February 2025}}</ref>
*** [[22nd Air Base|22nd Tactical Air Base]], in [[Malbork]], with [[Mikoyan MiG-29|MiG-29]] (to be replaced by [[FA-50GF]])
*** [[23rd Air Base|23rd Tactical Air Base]], in [[Mińsk Mazowiecki]], with [[FA-50GF]]
** '''2nd Tactical Air Wing''', in [[Poznań]]<ref>{{cite web |title=2nd Tactical Air Wing - Subordinate units |url=https://www.wojsko-polskie.pl/2slt/jednostki-bezposrednio-podlegle/ |publisher=2nd Tactical Air Wing |access-date=27 February 2025}}</ref>
*** [[31st Tactical Air Base]], in Poznań, with [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16C/D 52+]]
*** [[32nd Tactical Air Base]], in [[Łask]], with [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16C/D 52+]] (will also receive [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35A]])<ref name="F-35A"/>
*** 16th Airfield Repair Battalion, in [[Jarocin]]
** '''3rd Transport Air Wing''', in [[Powidz, Greater Poland Voivodeship|Powidz]]<ref>{{cite web |title=3rd Transport Air Wing - Subordinate units |url=https://www.wojsko-polskie.pl/3sltr/jednostki-podlegle/ |publisher=3rd Transport Air Wing |access-date=27 February 2025}}</ref>
*** 8th Transport Air Base, at [[John Paul II International Airport Kraków–Balice|Kraków Air Base]], with [[EADS CASA C-295|CASA C-295M]] and [[PZL M28 Skytruck|M28B Skytruck]]
*** [[33rd Air Base|33rd Transport Air Base]], in Powidz, with [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules|C-130E/H Hercules]]
*** Air Special Operations Unit, in Powidz, with [[Mil Mi-17|Mi-17]] and [[Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk|S-70i]] (operationally assigned to the [[Polish Special Forces]])
*** 1st Search and Rescue Group, in Świdwin, with [[PZL W-3 Sokół|W-3 Sokół]]
*** 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 Air Wing''', in [[Dęblin]]<ref>{{cite web |title=4th Training Air Wing - Subordinate units |url=https://www.wojsko-polskie.pl/4slsz/jednostki-podlegle/ |publisher=4th Training Air Wing |access-date=27 February 2025}}</ref>
*** 41st Training Air Base, in Dęblin, with [[Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master|M-346A Master]], [[PZL SW-4|SW-4 Puszczyk]] and [[Mil Mi-2|Mi-2]]
*** 42nd Training Air Base, in [[Radom]], with [[PZL-130 Orlik]]
*** Military Training and Fitness Center Zakopane, in [[Zakopane]]
*** High Altitude Rescue and Parachute Training Center, in Poznań
** '''3rd Air Defense Missile Brigade "Warsaw"''', in [[Sochaczew]]<ref>{{cite web |title=3rd Air Defense Missile Brigade "Warsaw" - Subordinate units |url=https://www.wojsko-polskie.pl/3brop/jednostki-podlegle/ |publisher=3rd Air Defense Missile Brigade "Warsaw" |access-date=27 February 2025}}</ref>
*** 32nd Air Defense Missile Battalion, in [[Olszewnica Stara]], with [[S-125 Neva/Pechora|S-125 Neva SC]]
*** 33rd Air Defense Missile Battalion, in [[Gdynia]], with S-125 Neva SC
*** 34th Air Defense Missile Battalion, in [[Bytom]], with S-125 Neva SC
*** 35th Air Defense Missile Battalion, in [[Skwierzyna]], with S-125 Neva SC
*** 36th Air Defense Missile Battalion, in [[Mrzeżyno]], with S-125 Neva SC
*** 37th Air Defense Missile Battalion, in [[Bielice, Gmina Sochaczew|Bielice]], with [[MIM-104 Patriot#MIM-104F (PAC-3)|Patriot PAC-3]]<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 Support Battalion, in Bielice
** '''3rd Radiotechnical Brigade''', in [[Wrocław]] (Air space surveillance)<ref>{{cite web |title=3rd Radiotechnical Brigade - Subordinate units |url=https://www.wojsko-polskie.pl/3brt/bataliony/ |publisher=3rd Radiotechnical Brigade |access-date=27 February 2025}}</ref>
*** 3rd Radiotechnical Battalion "Sandomierz", in [[Sandomierz]] 
**** 110th Long Range Radiolocating Post, in [[Łabunie]], with [[Selex RAT-31DL|RAT-31DL]]
**** 360th Long Range Radiolocating Post, in [[Brzoskwinia, Lesser Poland Voivodeship|Brzoskwinia]], with NUR-12M
**** 2× Airfield area control stations, with AVIA-W radars
**** 3× Radiotechnical companies
**** Logistic Company
*** 8th Radiotechnical Battalion "Szczytno", in [[Lipowiec, Szczytno County|Lipowiec]]
**** 144th Long Range Radiolocating Post, in [[Roskosz]], with NUR-12M
**** 184th Long Range Radiolocating Post, in [[Szypliszki]], with RAT-31DL
**** 211th Long Range Radiolocating Post, in [[Chruściel]], with RAT-31DL
**** 5× Radiotechnical companies
**** Logistic Company
*** 31st Radiotechnical Battalion "Dolnośląskie", in [[Wrocław]]
**** 170th Long Range Radiolocating Post, in [[Wronowice, Łódź Voivodeship|Wronowice]], with NUR-12M
**** 4× Radiotechnical companies
**** 3× Airfield area control stations, with AVIA-W radars
**** Logistic Company
*** 34th Radiotechnical Battalion "Chojnice", in [[Chojnice]]
**** 5× Radiotechnical companies
**** 2× Airfield area control stations, with AVIA-W radars
**** Logistic Company
** 1st Transport Air Base, at [[Warsaw Chopin Airport]], with [[Gulfstream G550]], [[Boeing 737 Next Generation|Boeing 737-800]] and [[PZL W-3 Sokół|W-3 Sokół]] (Government transport)
** Radio-Electronic Warfare Reconnaissance and Support Center, in [[Grójec]]
** Polish Armed Forces Hydrometeorological Service, in [[Warsaw]]
** Polish Armed Forces Air Traffic Service, in [[Warsaw]]
** Air Force Training Center, in [[Koszalin]]
** Aeronautical Engineering Training Center, in Dęblin
** Air Force Main Training Range, in Ustka
** 21st Air Force Training Range, in [[Nadarzyce, Złotów County|Nadarzyce]]
** 6th Air Force Chemical Battalion, in [[Śrem]] ([[CBRN defense]])

=== Armed Forces Operational Command ===
'''Armed Forces Operational Command''', in [[Warsaw]]<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-[[Pyry (neighborhood)|Pyry]], reports to [[NATO]]'s [[NATO Integrated Air Defense System|Integrated Air Defense System]] CAOC Uedem in Germany
** Mobile Air Operations Command Unit, in [[Babki, Greater Poland Voivodeship|Babki]]
** 22nd Command and Control Centre, in [[Gmina Sicienko|Osówiec]]
** 32nd Command and Control Centre, at [[John Paul II International Airport Kraków–Balice|Kraków-Balice Air Base]]
** 1st Air Operations Coordination Centre, in [[Gdynia]]
** 2nd Air Operations Coordination Centre, in [[Kraków]]
** 4th Air Operations Coordination Centre, in [[Szczecin]]
}}

==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}}
|}

;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}}
|}

===Qualification badges===
The current aviator badge of the Polish Air Force has been in use since the 1920s. The badge is called [[Parachutist badge#Poland|''gapa'']] and represents silver [[eagle]] 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;"| '''[[File:POL Wojska Lotnicze.svg|50px]]<br />Air Forces'''
| style="text-align:center;"| [[File:Odznaka pilota.jpg|150px]]
| style="text-align:center;"| [[File:Odznaka nawigatora.jpg|150px]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"|
| style="text-align:center;"|[[Aviator|Pilot]]
| style="text-align:center;"|[[Air observer|Observer]]
|- style="text-align:center;"
|Abbreviation||pil.||obs.||
|-
|colspan = 8|
|}

==See also==
* [[Stefan Stec (Polish aviator)|Stefan Stec]], creator of the ''Szachownica Lotnicza'' [[Polish Air Force checkerboard|Polish national military aircraft insignia]]
* [[Stanisław Targosz]], former commander-in-chief of the Polish Air Force
* [[Team Iskry]]
* [[Orlik Team]]
* [[List of aircraft of Poland, World War II]]
* [[Polish Land Forces Equipment List#Aircraft|Polish Land Forces Aircraft]]
* [[Polish Navy#Aircraft|Polish Naval Aviation]]
* [[Polish Special Forces#Aircraft|Polish Special Forces Aircraft]]

==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==
* [[Air Forces Monthly]], May 1999 (for details of reorganisation from regiments into squadrons)

==External links==
{{Commons category|Air force of Poland}}
* [https://www.wojsko-polskie.pl/sily-powietrzne/ Official website of Polish Air Force]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20041010014926/http://www.scramble.nl/pl.htm Polish Air Force history]
* [http://www.air.radom.pl/eng/badges/badges.htm Polish Air Force unit insignias], gallery of badges with annotation

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

[[Category:Polish Air Force| ]]