Poland to refit F-35 jets with better-camouflaged monochrome insignia
A major alteration is underway for the emblem of the Polish Air Force: a cutting-edge low-visibility checkerboard design aimed at allowing its F-35 aircraft to remain undetectable.
The concept of stealth technology, or camouflage for military aircraft, first emerged during the Cold War era across the Atlantic.
"Tactical camouflage in the United States emerged in the 1980s, starting with the renowned F-117 Nighthawk," Kacper Bakuła of the Armament Agency stated to Euronews.
Implementing a consistent color scheme for markings on aircraft was initially intended to complicate enemy recognition from the start. This approach was informed by the lessons of World War II and the characteristic aerial combat of that era, during which identifying enemy aircraft was relatively straightforward.
New legislative proposals submitted to Poland's parliament aim to utilize the existing Polish camouflage pattern in shades of grey for integration with the surface of fighter jets, under specific circumstances where security requirements or operational conditions justify such measures.
"In one sense, this is a requirement laid down by the manufacturer; on the other hand, it is a necessity of the modern battlefield," says Cezary Tomczyk, secretary of state in the Ministry of National Defence.
The camouflage pattern on fifth-generation fighter jets serves a dual purpose: it is designed to limit the visibility of the aircraft, particularly to hostile radar systems affiliated with non-NATO forces.
"A small distinguishing feature on the aircraft's hull can lead to visual detection and identification of its nationality," states Brigadier General Pilot Wojciech Pikuła, deputy commander of the Air Force.
It is essential that the markings on the aircraft be in camouflage colors matching those of the F-35, in order to effectively conceal its visibility.
The government's new plan was submitted to parliament on Wednesday.