The F-35 is slower, less maneuverable, more lightly armed and has a shorter range that the F-16. Its only plus is stealth. But stealth is a function of the enemy’s computing power and radar networking. Since computing and networking are going up exponentially we may find that the F-35 has a much shorter useful combat life than the F-16. True, they’ll see the F-16 coming, but then the usefulness of all combat systems is in the strategy with which they’re used. A World War 1 steam powered destroyer might still contribute to a battle if it was used within its limits and for purposes where it can do the job. Similarly, there may still be a place for propeller driven air support. But planners and politicians always try to get the most sophisticated, sexist, expensive thing they can.
Sure, Poland can buy the F-35. They could only afford one.