Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin announced in a news release that Poland received its first F-35A Lightning II, the “Huzarz,” during a rollout ceremony at its F-35 production facility.
The F-35 production facility is in Fort Worth, Texas, but the center wings for the plane are manufactured in Lockheed Martin’s Marietta plant here in Cobb County.
“Over more than 100-years of the Polish Air Force, there have been many generations of pilots and aircraft. I am proud to be part of history today, introducing the F-35 as the next generation, which will protect and defend Poland’s future for many years. We are joining a strong coalition of 5th generation fighters across Europe, bolstering air superiority through allied deterrence,” said Major General Ireneusz Nowak, Inspector of Polish Air Force.
Poland’s F35s will be names “Huzarz” in homage to a cavalry unit from Poland’s history.
“As the NATO aircraft of choice, the F-35 is a powerful force multiplier and critical to deterring and defeating threats for Poland and its allies,” said Greg Ulmer, president, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in the news release. “We are honored to strengthen our enduring partnership with Poland through today’s celebration, ensuring Polish national security and long-term capability development for decades to come.”
According to the news release, “The first aircraft, designated AZ-01, will be delivered to the Polish Air Force in December and will be based at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Arkansas, where Poland will be the first international customer to conduct F-35 pilot training.”
To read the entire news release, visit this link.
Lockheed Martin and Cobb County
The Lockheed Martin facility in Marietta has been a major employer in Cobb County since 1951, when the Lockheed Corporation, a predecessor of Lockheed Martin, took over the former site of the WWII Bell Bomber plant.
The C-130 program is the largest program operating at the Marietta facility. The plant currently produces the C-130J Super Hercules (see the company’s Fast Facts on the C-130J or the company’s C-30J brochure for more information).
The Marietta plant also provides ongoing support for the C-5 Galaxy, which celebrated its 50th year in operation in 2018. The C-5 Galaxy is expected to remain in service until 2045.
The Marietta location also supports the P-3 Orion, and manufactures the center wings for the F-35.