The construction of the Airport of Demarkation in Wrocław, which is the American transhipment base, has begun. The plans include the creation of a apron, taxiway, passenger terminal. In 3 years, the base is scheduled to be ready to receive the largest military transport aircraft in the world, or C-5 Galaxy. The Wrocław investment is 1 of 4 bases for the USA, which Poland will build.
Wrocław-Strachowice Airport is simply a dual-purpose port: both civilian and military flights are held here. In accordance with the agreement between the Republic of Poland and the Government of the United States of America on enhanced defence cooperation at the airport, the Airport of Demarkation (APOD) will be established.
Launch belts, ammunition retention and even mail
"The United States government accepted an investment plan of over $500 million in 4 bases in Poland – Drawsko Pomorskie, Powidz, Wrocław and Łask. We co-finance the American presence, due to the fact that it is 1 of the strongest guarantees of our security!" – Deputy Minister of defence Cezary Tomczyk informed at the beginning of the year. What part of these funds will be utilized for construction in Wrocław, has not yet been disclosed. However, it is known what is to be created on the military part of the airport. Plans include building a apron for dense aircraft, taxiways, planes for handling dangerous materials and ammunition, cargo port buildings. There will besides be a passenger terminal and a weapons warehouse, a overnight building, a cafeteria and a laundry room, a medical clinic, a sports centre, a post office and an administrative facility. A vehicle repair workshop, modern telecommunications network and parking will besides be built.
The fresh infrastructure is intended to facilitate the spread of American troops and equipment to Poland and to the east flank. "The facilities of the APOD and the US Armed Forces operating in them will enable the personnel and equipment to be transferred, participation in exercises and operations, and will support the permanent capabilities of the armed forces in Europe", informs the Regional Infrastructure Board in Wrocław, which supervises the implementation of the investment.
Code F
But that is not all. In the future, thanks to the construction of the U.S. base, the airport in Wrocław is expected to receive the highest category in the airport classification, the alleged F code. This means that the port will be adapted to operate the largest aircraft in the world. It will be able to land there for example the largest American military transport aircraft Lockheed C-5 Galaxy.
The first works have already been done. Parallel to last autumn's civilian investment - the expansion of the airport plate - was besides built a fragment of the taxiway for military needs. As Colonel Robert Wójcik, the Head of the Regional Infrastructure Board in Wrocław, says, the construction of the track – a railway siding – is to be completed by mid-year. There is simply a procedure for selecting contractors, among others, 2 parking planes and taxiways. This phase of work will most likely begin at the turn of the year.
Information from the territory Infrastructure Board shows that the implementation of the full investment in the U.S. base in Wrocław may take up to 2035. – However, the presumption is that the first C-5 Galaxy aircraft to land in Wrocław in 2029 – declared Colonel Wójcik.
In addition to the transshipment base under the agreement with the United States, Poland will finance the improvement of the camp in Drawsk Pomerania, the modernization of air force bases in Powidz and Łask.
Currently there are up to 10,000 U.S. soldiers stationed in Poland in rotation mode.
