Poland buys 'flying tankers' but author urges caution amid past delays
Translated from Polish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
Analysis
Sources not specified
New plan
- Poland is purchasing four Airbus A330 MRTT aircraft, described as "flying tankers," to enhance its air force capabilities.
- These aircraft will allow Polish F-16 and F-35 jets to refuel in mid-air, increasing their operational efficiency and reducing wear from frequent landings.
- The author expresses cautious optimism, noting the purchase is positive but criticizes past governments for delays in acquiring aerial refueling capabilities, particularly missing an opportunity to join a NATO program.
Poland is set to acquire four Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft, referred to as "flying tankers," through a loan from the EU's SAFE Instrument. These aircraft will significantly bolster the Polish Air Force by enabling its F-16 and F-35 fighter jets to refuel in mid-air. This capability will allow the jets to stay airborne longer, reducing the need for frequent returns to base, thereby increasing their operational effectiveness and minimizing wear and tear from repeated landings and takeoffs.
This is a natural complement to our Air Force โ a so-called force multiplier.
The acquisition is seen as a crucial "force multiplier" for the Polish Air Force, especially with the decision to purchase four aircraft instead of the initially planned two. While the purchase is welcomed, the author expresses reservations, highlighting a sense of "disgust" despite the positive development. The delivery of these aircraft is not expected to be completed until 2030.
A significant point of criticism is Poland's past inaction regarding aerial refueling capabilities. Between 2015 and 2016, Poland had the opportunity to join NATO's Multi-Role Tanker Transport Fleet (MMF) program, a collaborative initiative where several member states share a fleet of tankers. At that time, nine such aircraft were in service, with plans to increase the fleet to 12 by 2029. However, under the defense ministry of Antoni Macierewicz, Poland did not join the program, reportedly due to concerns about the tankers being stationed in the Netherlands and Germany.
So, to spite our neighbors, we froze our ears and to this day we have no aerial refueling capabilities.
The author further points out that over 2.5 years have passed since the current government took office, and despite politicians acknowledging the importance of aerial tankers, a contract has yet to materialize. While acknowledging that "better late than never," the author concludes, "Therefore, although I am happy, I am not applauding."
Therefore, although I am happy, I am not applauding.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Rzeczpospolita in Polish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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