# Poland Eyes GCAP Fighter Program as Its F-35 Deliveries Continue

- URL: https://unnienote.app/en/news/poland-gcap-observer-f35-lesson-b79e20
- Published: 2026-10-30T05:59:59.376Z
- Publisher: Unnie Note

> Poland has reportedly received informal approval to join the GCAP sixth-generation fighter program as an observer, while its first F-35 jets are still being delivered.

## Key points

1. Poland has reportedly received informal approval to join GCAP as an observer.
2. GCAP is a Japan, UK and Italy sixth-generation fighter project.
3. Poland is still receiving its 32 F-35A jets and plans to buy 32 more.

Polish newspaper Rzeczpospolita reported on October 25, 2026 that Poland has received an informal go-ahead to take part in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) as an observer, according to Maciej Miłosz. GCAP is a joint sixth-generation fighter project led by Japan, the United Kingdom and Italy, and its demonstrator is expected to fly next year.

## What is GCAP?

GCAP is a next-generation combat aircraft program. The article says the planned aircraft will be larger than the Eurofighter, which is currently in service across several European air forces.

## Why is this controversial?

Poland is still in the middle of receiving its F-35A fighters. The Ministry of National Defence plans to buy another 32 of the type, so critics question why Poland would need sixth-generation jets so soon. Rzeczpospolita raised this question directly in its report.

## What is Poland's current fleet?

| Aircraft | Generation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| F-35A | Fifth | Deliveries ongoing |
| FA-50 | Light fighter | 12 delivered (GF), 36 expected (PL) |
| F-16 | Fourth | 47 aircraft, mid-life upgrade planned |

Poland lost one F-16 in an accident before the Radom air show in August 2025.

## What about the cost?

According to the report, Poland bought the F-35 under a 2023 treaty with practically no offset arrangement, for just over 6 billion dollars.

## For international fans

The F-35 Lightning II is a US-led fifth-generation stealth fighter used by several NATO countries. GCAP is a rival European and Asian effort to build a successor. Observer status does not commit Poland to buying the new jet.

## FAQ

### Is Poland officially joining GCAP?

Not yet. According to Rzeczpospolita, Poland has only received informal approval to take part as an observer.

### How many F-35s does Poland have on order?

Poland is receiving 32 F-35A jets and plans to buy 32 more, according to the report.

## Sources

- [Rzeczpospolita](https://radar.rp.pl/modernizacja-sil-zbrojnych/art45383711-polska-potrzebuje-nowego-mysliwca-nie-moze-powtorzyc-bledow-z-f-16-i-f-35)

_Written and translated with AI from official announcements and Korean media reports. If something is wrong, please let us know._