Italy is sending F-35 and T-346 Master aircraft to the Air Show in Radom, a significant event for both military enthusiasts and aviation professionals. The arrival of these aircraft, part of the Italian Air Force, marks an important development for the Polish military, as these models are set to play crucial roles in Poland's defense strategy.
The Leonardo T-346 Master, known as the "Bielik" in Poland, is primarily used for training military pilots. This aircraft is vital in preparing future aviators for advanced missions, including those involving the F-35 and Eurofighter jets. Poland has recently purchased 16 M-346 Master aircraft, which have been instrumental in pilot training at the 41st Training Aviation Base in Dęblin. However, one of these aircraft tragically crashed during preparations for air shows in Gdynia, raising concerns about safety and operational readiness.
On the other hand, the F-35 Lightning II, one of the most advanced combat aircraft globally, is set to become the backbone of the Polish Air Force. Poland has procured 32 multi-role 5th generation F-35 aircraft, along with a comprehensive logistics and training package, for a total contract value of $4.6 billion. Recently, a Polish pilot took the controls of an F-35 for the first time in the United States, marking a significant milestone in Poland's military aviation history.
Interestingly, F-35 aircraft are already patrolling Polish skies, operated by the Italian and Norwegian air forces due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This deployment emphasizes the strategic importance of the F-35 in regional security and deterrence efforts. Notably, the Polish F-35s will feature a gray checkerboard pattern instead of the traditional white and red markings, a change made to reduce radar visibility.
The Air Show in Radom is shaping up to be a major highlight of 2025, with ticket sales commencing on April 25, 2025, at 12:00 PM. Tickets will be available through the ToBilet.pl platform, with the initial release consisting of 8,000 tickets offered at promotional prices under the "Podniebne Odliczanie" stage. A standard ticket for Saturday is priced at 40 PLN, while discounted tickets are available for 20 PLN. For Sunday, the prices are set at 30 PLN and 15 PLN for regular and discounted tickets, respectively.
As excitement builds for the Air Show, organizers have announced that family and spotter tickets will be available at a later date. Following the initial sale, another batch of tickets will be released on April 30, 2025, but at higher prices, so interested attendees are encouraged to secure their tickets early.
The Air Show Radom 2025 is touted as the largest aviation event of the year, promising thrilling displays and a showcase of cutting-edge aircraft. This year's show will feature not only the Italian F-35s and T-346 Masters but also a variety of other international participants, with 33 countries confirmed to attend. Among the highlights will be night displays and performances from several renowned air demonstration teams.
In addition to the Italian aircraft, the Polish military is also integrating Korean FA-50 aircraft into its training programs. These jets are already stationed in Mińsk Mazowiecki and are occasionally seen in Radom, further enriching the training landscape for Polish pilots. The FA-50s are expected to complement the T-346 Masters and F-35s in developing a robust training framework for the next generation of aviators.
With the Air Show just around the corner, aviation fans and military personnel alike are gearing up for an event filled with excitement and aerial displays. The presence of advanced aircraft like the F-35 and T-346 Master not only highlights Poland's growing military capabilities but also strengthens international partnerships in defense.
As the date approaches, the anticipation for the Air Show Radom 2025 continues to grow, promising to be an unforgettable experience for all attendees. The event will not only showcase the latest in military aviation but also serve as a platform for fostering international cooperation and showcasing the technological advancements in military aircraft.
