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

A Polish Air Force pilot was killed when his F‑16 fighter jet crashed during preparations for the Radom Air Show, prompting the event’s cancellation. 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, as reported by Al‑Jazeera. 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.