Poland may not have enough qualified aircrews to make full operational use of its F-16 fleet. inPoland.net.pl reported the estimates on Monday, October 26, while noting that the figures remain unofficial.

The Polish Air Force operates 47 F-16s, but only around 40 trained pilots are believed to be available. At least 70 would be required to employ the fleet effectively, leaving an estimated personnel gap of more than 40 percent.

Poland’s Ministry of National Defence did not confirm the numbers and said such information was classified. Separate unofficial claims indicate that only about half of the aircraft are currently serviceable, potentially preventing all jets from being deployed at the same time.

Training an F-16 pilot takes roughly two years and includes instruction in Poland followed by further preparation in the United States. Capacity at US training bases is limited, in part because pilots from other countries, including Ukraine, also train there. Some experienced Polish F-16 personnel have additionally been assigned to preparations for the introduction of the F-35.