A tragic incident occurred in Radom, central Poland, on the evening of August 28, 2025, when a Polish Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed during a rehearsal for an upcoming Air Show. The crash, which took place around 7:30 p.m. local time, resulted in the death of the jet’s pilot, a Polish Army officer whose identity has not yet been publicly disclosed.

According to official reports from the Polish Army, no civilians or bystanders were harmed in the accident, as the aircraft came down on the runway of Radom airport, a location that had been secured for air show preparations. The pilot, described by both military and government officials as a highly dedicated and courageous officer, is being remembered as a symbol of service and sacrifice for his country.

The F-16 involved in the crash was part of the fleet stationed at the 31st Tactical Air Base near Poznań, one of the central operational hubs for Poland’s fighter jet units. Poland currently operates 48 F-16C/D Block 52+ aircraft, originally delivered between 2006 and 2008, forming the backbone of its tactical air capabilities.

The crash comes at a particularly sensitive time for the Polish Air Force, as only days earlier the government signed a $3.8 billion contract to modernise and upgrade the nation’s F-16 fleet. Although there has been no official suggestion linking the crash to technical issues concerning the fleet, the timing has drawn public attention to the challenges of maintaining and updating advanced military aircraft. Military investigators have launched a full inquiry to determine the cause of the accident, examining both technical factors and possible piloting complications during the rehearsal manoeuvres.

Poland’s political and military leadership were quick to respond with words of condolence and solidarity. Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz issued a solemn statement on X, honouring the fallen pilot as an officer who “always served the Fatherland with dedication and great courage,” while extending “the deepest condolences” to the pilot’s family.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk also expressed his grief in a heartfelt public message, calling the incident a profound loss for Poland and offering sympathy to the bereaved family and loved ones. The Polish Army echoed these sentiments through an official press statement, acknowledging the pilot’s sacrifice as a significant loss not just for the Air Force, but for the entire defence establishment of the Republic of Poland.

The accident has cast a somber cloud over preparations for the Radom Air Show, an event regarded as one of the most important aviation spectacles in Central Europe. Historically, the airshow has drawn large crowds and showcased the capabilities of Poland’s air fleet, as well as international allies. 

However, this year’s preparations are now overshadowed by mourning and reflection within the military community. The sudden and tragic loss of life in such a high-profile event rehearsal has reinforced the inherent risks faced daily by military aviators, whose role in national defence requires both extraordinary skill and personal sacrifice.

As investigations into the crash continue, the Polish military and government have emphasised their commitment to uncovering the exact cause of the tragedy while simultaneously honouring the pilot’s service.

For Poland, a nation modernising its defence structure amid growing regional security challenges, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the human cost that underlies its military strength and operational readiness. The Air Force, alongside other branches of the armed forces, has pledged support to the pilot’s family, while also reaffirming its mission to uphold both safety and excellence in training and demonstration flights.

Agencies