In a historic development for the Polish Armed Forces, a female officer has become the first woman in Poland to qualify as a pilot of the F-16 fighter jet. The announcement was made on 18 April 2025 by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, who hailed the achievement as a significant milestone for the Polish Air Force.
The officer, whose identity has not been disclosed for security reasons, serves at the 32nd Tactical Air Base in Łask, central Poland. She completed her training in the United States, which included rigorous preparation in advanced flight operations, combat tactics, and mission planning. Having successfully passed all required assessments, she is now authorised to operate the F-16 Fighting Falcon, a multirole combat aircraft that forms the backbone of Poland’s air defence capabilities.
Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz shared the news on social media, stating:
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“An important message for our Air Force and the entire Polish Armed Forces – the first woman has become an F-16 pilot! She serves at the 32nd Tactical Air Base in Łask. She completed her training in the USA and is now qualified to pilot our fighter jets. Congratulations!”
He also noted that another female officer is currently undergoing F-16 training at the 31st Tactical Air Base in Krzesiny, near Poznań. This indicates a growing inclusion of women in roles traditionally held by men within the Polish military.
Expanding Roles for Women in the Polish Air Force
While women have served in various capacities within the Polish Armed Forces, their presence in combat aviation roles has been limited. The first Polish woman to pilot a combat aircraft was Captain Katarzyna Tomiak-Siemieniewicz, who flew the MiG-29 fighter jet in 2012. The recent qualification of a female F-16 pilot represents a significant step forward in gender integration within the Polish Air Force.
The F-16 Fighting Falcon, introduced to the Polish Air Force in 2006, is a versatile multirole fighter aircraft used by numerous countries worldwide. Poland currently operates 48 F-16s, which are stationed at air bases in Łask and Krzesiny. These aircraft play a crucial role in Poland’s national defence and its commitments to NATO operations.
Future Developments
In addition to the F-16 fleet, Poland has signed a contract to acquire 32 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, with deliveries expected to begin between late 2025 and early 2026. These fifth-generation aircraft will be stationed at air bases in Łask and Świdwin, further enhancing Poland’s air combat capabilities.
The inclusion of women in piloting advanced fighter jets like the F-16 and, in the future, the F-35, reflects broader efforts to promote gender equality within the Polish military. It also aligns with international trends of increasing female participation in combat roles across various armed forces.
As Poland continues to modernise its military and expand opportunities for service members, the achievements of these pioneering female pilots serve as an inspiration and a testament to the evolving dynamics within the nation’s defence forces.
