After delivering „Smokers” to the Ukrainians, the Polish Air Force will remain with single-engine, multirole F-16 C/D Block 52+ (under the mid-life upgrade to the Block 72 standard), some FA-50GF with limited combat capabilities (FA-50PL final configuration is still in process while Poland and Korea are discussing weapon integration with the USA). Currently, the first batch of Polish 5th-generation F-35A is used in the USA to train the first generation of Polish pilots. However, even if delivered, the F-35 is a stealth, multirole platform, not a typical interceptor.
Photo: Ilka Cole, U.S. Air Force
The question remains: Does Poland still need a twin-engine modern air dominance platform? The MILMAG has asked Boeing about current developments on the F-15EX programme.
As MILMAG had learnt, Boeing is offering 32 F-15EX Eagles to satisfy an Air Dominance requirement for the Polish Air Force. Boeing said that the F-15EX is ready now, combat-proven, and built for future growth as required. It is the most advanced and unmatched fighter on the market. We see across the globe the power and effectiveness of the F-15 / F-35 / F-16 force package — there are great efficiencies in the three platforms, both on the ground and in the air.
The American offer would also include training and sustainment support in country; moreover, the training and sustainment package was designed to help the Polish Air Force to be as independent as possible. Boeing is willing to help build a proper and effective support system in Poland so that the vast majority of MRO tasks can be performed domestically by Polish plants that are part of PGZ. Boeing’s F-15EX program has a global supply chain that is ready to support.
It is still unclear if Boeing actually offer MQ-28 loyal wingman to Poland as part of the F-15EX package. The American producer denies to comment this. Hovever MILMAG was assured that PAF will be offered with training and sustainment assistance to ensure Poland has what they need for operational success. The F-15EX can use similar infrastructure as F-16 and F-35 and similar handling/rearming equipment as F-16. Additionally, much of the ground support equipment, sustainment carts and some technical data is interchangeable between the F-16 and F-15EX. The F-15 does not have some of the more intense facility requirements as F-35.
Photo: Boeing
Boeing is currently looking for partnership with Poland to ensure the right infrastructure is in place so that the vast majority of MRO tasks can be performed domestically by Polish plants that are part of PGZ. Already, Boeing has signed four MOUs with Polish companies and universities in support of the F-15EX campaign:
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- Boeing and Military Aviation Works No. 2 have agreed to explore opportunities for the phase inspections and maintenance of the F-15EX, including maintenance, repair and overhaul of aircraft components.
- Boeing and Central Military Bureau of Design and Technology will explore opportunities related to the Polish-manufactured ground support equipment.
- Boeing and Polish Air Force Academy will explore in-country aircrew training opportunities for future Polish Air Force F-15EX pilots.
- Boeing and the Military University of Technology are currently cooperating on the Poland AH-64 offset program and under the recently signed MOU aim to expand the partnership to establish a maintenance training schoolhouse for F-15EX.
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As Boeing states, the current waiting time for the F-15EX is 44 months. It is standard lead time, which includes long-lead material purchase. The spare capacity for additional F-15 orders depends on the sustainment and spares package the Polish Air Force wants.
Maj. Gen. pilot Ireneusz Nowak, Deputy of General Commander of the Polish Armed Forces, visited the Boeing St. Louis site and got to experience the power of the F-15EX firsthand. pic.twitter.com/BsaDArnRqQ
— Boeing Europe (@BoeingEurope) December 11, 2025
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