WARSAW: A Polish Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed during a rehearsal for an upcoming airshow in Radom, central Poland, on Thursday evening, killing the pilot, officials confirmed.
The aircraft went down on the runway around 7:30 p.m. local time, according to local media. No bystanders were injured. The cause of the accident is under investigation.
Leaders Pay Tribute
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed the pilot’s death and described it as a “great loss” for the armed forces.
“In the F-16 plane crash, a Polish Army pilot died – an officer who always served the Fatherland with dedication and great courage. I pay tribute to his memory. To the family and loved ones, I offer my deepest condolences. This is a great loss for the Air Force and the entire Polish Army,” he wrote on X, adding that he had reached the crash site.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk also paid tribute, posting:
“In the F-16 plane crash, a Polish pilot was killed. Rest in peace! To the family and loved ones, I offer my deepest condolences from the bottom of my heart.”
The Polish Army released a statement echoing the sentiment:
“With great sadness, we received the news of the tragic death of the F-16 pilot. This is a great loss for Poland and the Armed Forces of the Republic. Honor to his memory.”
Aircraft & Base Details
According to Reuters, the jet was part of the 31st Tactical Air Base near Poznań. The pilot’s identity has not yet been disclosed.
Authorities said safety protocols were followed and confirmed that no civilian lives were at risk during the crash.
