A Polish Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed during rehearsals for an airshow in Radom, central Poland, killing the pilot, the military confirmed on Thursday.
Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, who visited the site, paid tribute to the officer. “A Polish Army pilot died in the crash of an F-16 aircraft — an officer who always served his country with dedication and great courage. I pay tribute to his memory,” he posted on X.
According to the General Command of the Armed Forces, the aircraft was from the 31st Tactical Air Base near Poznań. No bystanders were injured, and rescue operations began immediately.
Footage published by Polish media appeared to show the F-16 attempting a barrel roll before losing control and bursting into flames along the runway. Local reports said the crash occurred at about 17:30 GMT, leaving the runway damaged.
Organisers have cancelled the Radom Airshow, which was scheduled for the weekend and expected to attract thousands of visitors. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.
