The Polish Air Force has given one of its iconic aircraft – the two-seat Sukhoi Su-22UM3K (tail number 509) – a festive, commemorative makeover. The aircraft now sports a striking livery that combines the classic old camouflage on the forward fuselage with modern two-tone grey on the rear, and proudly displays a “40” on the tailfin painted in the colors of the Polish flag. This special design not only pays tribute to 40 years of service by the Fitter fleet but also serves as a vibrant reminder of an era that reshaped Polish military aviation.

Originally based at Swidwin Air Base, where sweeping modernization efforts are currently underway to welcome the new Lockheed Martin F-35A Lighting II jets, the Fitters have been relocated to Miroslawiec Air Base. The ongoing upgrades at Swidwin are part of a larger strategic move to modernize Poland’s aerial capabilities, ensuring that the airspace is ready for a new generation of combat aircraft. The relocation highlights the impressive transformation taking place at Swidwin, where the integration of state-of-the-art technology is rapidly changing the landscape of military aviation.

The storied history of the Su-22—known by it’s NATO reporting name as the Fitter—dates back to the early 1980s. During the tense period of the Second Cold War, Poland began rearming and opted to diversify its fighter-bomber fleet by acquiring the Su-22 in two distinct versions: the single-seater Su-22 M4K and the two-seater Su-22 UM3K. In a rather unconventional delivery method, these aircraft were shipped in boxes, a logistical marvel that marked the start of a significant upgrade in Poland’s aerial defence capabilities. Between August and October 1984, the first batch—comprising seven Su-22 M4Ks and six training variants of the Su-22 UM3K—arrived at Powidz, quickly becoming an integral part of the revitalized fighter-bomber regiment in Pila. Polish pilots, driven by a spirit of innovation and determination, soon mastered these agile machines through intensive training sessions in Krasnodar, cementing the aircraft’s reputation as a cornerstone of national defence.

Over the ensuing decades, as Poland joined NATO in 1999, the Fitters underwent numerous upgrades to meet new operational requirements. Modernized communication systems and improved navigation equipment were integrated to ensure that these jets could operate effectively in an international framework. Although the Su-22 was originally slated for retirement around 2015, comprehensive refurbishments—including engine overhauls and a complete repainting process utilizing advanced AERODUR-5000 technology—extended their service life well into the current decade. The aircraft’s rejuvenated “dove camouflage” now harmonizes the appearance of Poland’s combat and transport fleets, reflecting a careful blend of old and new design elements.

Aviation enthusiasts hold out hope that, despite the scheduled retirement of the Fitters in May/June 2025, the newly painted aircraft will participate in the upcoming Radom International Airshow, set for the last weekend of August. Such an appearance would provide a rare, nostalgic glimpse of this veteran aircraft in its full glory before its eventual retirement.

At the previous Radom International Airshow in 2023, the Fitters were featured in both the static display and in flight during the opening flypast, a close air support (CAS) demonstration, and a rare night display where a single Fitter performed flypasts while releasing photo-flash flares.

Originally slated for retirement by the end of last year, the phase-out of these storied jets has been postponed, with their final farewell now scheduled for May/June 2025—though this timeline may be extended. With only a handful still in service, the impending retirement of the Fitters signifies the end of a remarkable chapter in Polish aviation history.