1st Polish Air Force Conference

The event, organized on Thursday, September 24, 2026, by the Polish Air Force University and the 4th Flying Training Wing, brought together representatives of the Polish Armed Forces, academia, aviation units, and the aerospace industry. The main focus was on experience related to the operation of the aviation education and training system, preparing personnel for operational tasks, the use of modern technologies, and ensuring appropriate technical and logistics support.

The conference was organized in connection with two important anniversaries: the 10th anniversary of the introduction into service of the integrated aviation training system based on the M-346 Bielik aircraft, and the 20th anniversary of training on the SW-4 Puszczyk helicopter. Speakers included Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of National Defence Stanisław Wziątek, Rector-Commandant of the Polish Air Force University Brig. Gen. pilot Dr. Krzysztof Szymaniec, and Commander of the 4th Flying Training Wing Col. pilot Łukasz Piątek. The program also included presentations by representatives of Leonardo Aeronautics, Leonardo PZL-Świdnik, and Kopipol.

Image: Polish Air Force University

Training system and personnel preparation

The first thematic block focused on the aviation education and training system and its adaptation to the needs of the modern Air Force. Participants presented experience related to the operation of an integrated aviation training system, its capabilities, and the directions required for its further development. Subsequent presentations and discussions addressed the preparation of aviation personnel for operational missions. Topics included the organization and improvement of pilot and instructor training, the preparation of technical personnel, and the use of modern technologies and simulators in the training process.

M-346 Bielik and the future of aviation training

One of the key items on the agenda was a workshop titled The Future of Aviation Training: The Potential of the M-346 Block 20. It focused on the role of the human factor and the potential use of modern solutions in preparing aircrew. Conference participants could also visit an exhibition titled 10 Years of the M-346 and 20 Years of the SW-4 in the Polish Air Force, presenting the history of these aircraft types within Poland’s aviation training system.

Photos: Polish Air Force University

Technical support and logistics

An important part of the conference focused on technical support and aircraft operation. Discussions covered the organization of maintenance, sustaining equipment availability, and the importance of operational experience for the training process. The program also addressed cooperation between the military and the aerospace industry. A separate block was devoted to aviation logistics as the foundation for continuity and safety in training. The discussion covered, among other issues, materiel and infrastructure support, spare parts and supply-chain management, planning of operational requirements, and cooperation between the military and industry in the field of logistics support. The event was also attended by senior Air Force leadership and command personnel, including Air Force Inspector Maj. Gen. pilot Tomasz Jatczak and Assistant to the Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces Brig. Gen. pilot Sławomir Mąkosa.

The conference provided a forum for exchanging experience among representatives of the Polish Armed Forces, military education institutions, aviation units, academia, and the aerospace industry. Its program combined issues related both to the day-to-day operation of the training system and to its further development. The event also provided an opportunity to discuss the future of aviation training and the challenges facing the personnel preparation system of the Polish Air Force.

Press release