On Wednesday, the 10th of September 2025, the Polish Air Force (Siły Powietrzne Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej) bid farewell to the Sukhoi Su-22 (NATO Code Name – Fitter) Fighter Bomber, after 41 years of operation. A retirement ceremony was staged at the 12th Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Base (12 Baza Bezzałogowych Statków Powietrznych (12.BBSP) in Miroslawiec, in Western Poland, where the last surviving Su22’s were based after relocating from their former base in Swidwin, which is expected to host the second F35 Squadron, after the units at Lask get operational. Swidwin is now being made ready for the arrival of the F35.
The Polish Air Force (Siły Powietrzne Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej) operated a total 110 x Su-22’s, with deliveries starting in 1984. 90 of these being the single seat version, namely the Sukhoi Su-22M4 and 20 of its twin stick analog, the Su22UM3K. The 21st Tactical Air Base (21. Baza Lotnictwa Taktycznego (21.BLT) was the last Squadron to operate this Soviet Era, variable geometry wing, single engined classic.
The event attendance, strictly by direct invitation, produced the opportunity to witness the operation of seven machines from the handful of available airframes. These being Sukhoi Su-22M4’s with tactical code numbers 3201, 3304, 3816 and 8309 plus Su22UM3K’s with tactical code numbers 308, 509 and 707 (The two seaters were all adorned with special liveries).
During this day, the Sukhoi Su-22UM3K’s flew two missions, one in the morning, and the other in the afternoon. During the morning sortie, the Fitters flew away to make a farewell flypast over their former stations, these being Powidz, Pila and Swidwin. In the afternoon, a local flight was flown over Miroslawiec.
The Polish Sukhoi Su-22’s were the last examples of this Type to be operated in Europe and by any NATO country. Horizon thanks the Polish Air Force for the opportunity to experience the last active Sukhoi Su-22 in service.
