The Soviet-design aircraft from the 22nd tactical air base at Malbork went down in the early hours about 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the town.

An investigation will be held into the circumstances of the crash, the ministry said in a statement, adding that the fighter pilot had more than 800 hours of flying experience, including 600 on combat duty aboard MiG-29s.

The Polish army has a fleet of 48 US F-16s as well as 32 MiG-29s, several of which have been grounded due to a lack of spare parts.