The Polish army lacks pilots. We will soon need them 199

Poland has received its tenth F-35A fighter jet, but faces a significant shortage of military pilots. Currently, there are only 40 pilots for 47 F-16s, highlighting a broader issue of insufficient personnel in the Polish Air Force. The U.S. standard suggests 1.25 pilots per combat aircraft, indicating Poland needs at least 199 pilots for its current and future fleet. Additionally, the demand for ground support personnel is substantial, with estimates suggesting around 2,500 technicians are required for the existing fleet. Despite the increasing number of advanced aircraft, the military struggles to recruit and retain qualified personnel, exacerbated by competitive salaries in the civilian aviation sector.