Image source: topwar.ru
Poland still has two Soviet MiG–29 and Su-22 fighter jets in service, but, according to the Defense Ministry, their days are numbered.
In particular, the Su-22 is scheduled to be decommissioned this year. A few days ago, the planes of this model made a farewell flight, which took place in conjunction with the FA-50 Golden Eagle machines designed to replace them. The corresponding video was shown online.
Image source: topwar.ru
The Su-22 is an export version of the Su-17 fighter-bomber, which made its maiden flight in 1966, becoming the first Soviet fighter with a variable wing geometry that allows it to provide significant maneuverability at low altitudes and increased speed at high altitudes. The wing consoles can be positioned at three angles: 28°, 45° or 62° relative to the fuselage.
Image source: topwar.ru
In total, the USSR produced 2,867 Su-17 units, including their modifications Su-20 and Su-22. Poland has received 120 copies of the Su-22, of which only 18 remain in service.
- it is noted in the Western press.
Image Source: topwar.ru
To replace the Su-22 and MiG-29, Poland purchased 48 KAI FA-50 –12 aircraft from South Korea in the FA-50GF variant (already delivered) and 36 in the FA-50PL modification, which are to be transferred between November 2025 and September 2028.
The FA-50PL is capable of carrying a wider range of weapons and is equipped with an APG-83 radar with AFAR. The Defense Ministry positions it as a "light fighter" that has many elements in common with the F-16, a model also operated by Poland. In this regard, there was even an unofficial term "pseudo-fighter", which refers to a UBS modified to perform tasks that are traditionally solved by full-fledged fighters.
