Pilot killed when F-16 jet crashes during preparations for a Polish air show

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A Polish Air Force pilot was killed when his F-16 fighter jet crashed during preparations for the Radom Air Show, prompting cancellation of the event. The aircraft, from the 31st Tactical Air Base near Poznan, went down during a practice flight, erupting in flames with no ejection attempt seen. No bystanders were injured. Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and NATO allies paid tribute to the pilot, a member of the elite “Tiger Demo” unit. Poland, which has relied on U.S.-made F-16s since 2003, is upgrading its fleet amid heightened defence spending following Russia’s war in Ukraine.