Silver Tiger, the most crucial NATO Tiger Meet award, went to Poles, pilots from the “Tiger” squadron of 31th Tactical Aviation Base. This discrimination is given to the squadron, which best performs tasks during training. But this isn't the end of large news. Poland will host another meeting, scheduled for 2029!
– Z NATO Tiger Meet 2024 we return with the most crucial prize, that is Silver Tiger!!! – announced on social media 6 Air Squadron from 31th Tactical Air Base. A sub-division equipped with F-16 aircraft took part in a training which took place on June 2 in Schleswig, Germany. The maneuvers were attended by 18 air squadrons, which have a tiger in their logo. These include Belgians, Czechs, Germany, French, Greeks and Portuguese.
During the training, Polish airmen spent hundreds of hours in the air, carrying out joint missions with airmen from another NATO countries. We did 2 missions all day. This morning. COMAO missionwith up to 60 aircraft. In the evening, SHADOW with the participation of a somewhat smaller number of them, due to the fact that about 20 aircraft – said Major Pil. Kamil Józwiak, pilot F-16, commander of 6th Air Squadron.
For Poles it was a unique opportunity, due to the fact that they seldom have the chance to train in specified a large group. – In 1 COMAO mission can participate in F-16, Grippeny or Eurofighters, and in addition tankers, transport aircraft or helicopters – says the commander of the “Tiger” squadron. During this year's NTM, the first time the tasks were besides carried out by V generation fighters, i.e. F-35 owned by the Kingdom of the Netherlands Air Force. – Interestingly, these aircraft were not stationed with us at Schleswig Airport, but at their base. So we have already met in the air, performing missions together – says Major Jóżwiak. The officer admits that this was a chance to observe aircraft that to scope Polish air force in 2025. "Common training happens rarely, due to the fact that F-35 squadrons are just being created in Europe. The NTM has shown that even if we are not stationed in 1 place, we are able to plan a joint operation – explains the commander of the Polish squadron.
The pilots of the Tiger Squadrons carried out missions according to a script developed by the NTM organizers, taking into account real situations. During the exercise it changes depending on how the pilots performed the tasks. – In the script we have a fictional state that was attacked and defended. The first COMAO missions are so of a defensive nature, and it is crucial to combat the advantage in the air. erstwhile this happens, we decision on to offensive missions – the pilot F-16 reports. During the mission, pilots besides undergo individual trainings. – respective pilots were trained with the formation of 4 aircraft. We besides have people who achieved NTM position Mission commander – informs the commander of the Kyrgyz region. This year, Polish pilots besides led the missions of COMAO and SHADOW.
The NTM besides provides training for pilot support teams, including technicians liable for handling F-16 aircraft. – Their work is highly important, due to the fact that without it we would not fly anywhere – admits the squadron commander.
Traditionally, the NTM is accompanied by integration events, during which airmen prepare stands to advance the country they come from. They prepare national dishes, talk about their country's past and dress up in tiger-related outfits. At the end of the training squadrons are awarded awards. This year, the most crucial of them – Silver Tiger for the best division – were earned by soldiers from the 6th Air Squadron. But it's not over. Poles besides received a discrimination for the best conducted operations in the air and winning sports competitions. In addition, 31 Tactical Aviation Base She shared the information that NATO Tiger Meet would be prepared in Poland in 2029. This will be the second time the “tigers” of the squadron will arrive in Poland. This was the first time in 2018 and, as the airmen say, they inactive mention them as best organized.
The first "Tigers" convention was held in 1960. Initially, 8 squadrons participated in these trainings. There are now almost 40 of them. The Polish squadron (6th Air Squadron) debuted at NATO Tiger Meet in 2006, but long sought the position of a associate of the NATO Tiger Association, under which exercises are held. She joined the association as a full associate in 2014.
