The White House saw a rare flyover by F-35 fighter jets Wednesday afternoon as part of a show for Polish President Andrzej Duda. Poland is set to purchase the new jets from the United States.
Some Washingtonians may have seen — and heard — two fighter jets flying over the city Wednesday afternoon.
The display of F-35 planes was part of Polish President Andrzej Duda's official visit, the White House said, and it served as a demonstration of the country's newest fighter jets, which Poland is set to purchase.
"We’re going to have two super F-35s flying at a great rate of speed,” President Donald Trump said at the White House.
“They’re going to put on a very small show for us but it’s going to be something."
The planes were expected to fly over the White House while Trump, Duda and their entourages watched from the White House South Lawn after 1:45.
"We appreciate Poland’s plan to purchase this exceptional aircraft and welcome the opportunity for DOD demonstration pilots to showcase the F-35 while logging required training hours," White House spokesperson Hogan Gidley said.
Flyovers in the Washington, D.C., are rare because of the restrictive nature of airspace in the nation's capital. Airspace in the capital region was severely limited after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and private planes that accidently enter D.C. airspace can trigger responses from the military.
Local
Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information
The Financial Times previously reported that Poland's defense minister had sent the U.S. a letter asking for details for a purchase of 32 F-35 jets.
