Protection of Polish airspace and joint training with local airmen – specified tasks are faced by F-35 pilots from Norway, who have been stationed in 31st Tactical Aviation Base in Krzesinów. Today, soldiers from both countries met with journalists.
The Norwegian aviation component since October has been stationed at 31st Tactical Aviation Base on Poznań Krzesinach.
Initially, the plane's form is barely cut off from the grey plane plate and clouded sky. Only the white light below the pilot's cab shows that the device is rolling. all second the engine booms. Finally, along where we stand, the first F-16 with a white-red chessboard on the ballast is rolled. The plane takes place on the runway threshold, last flight preparations are underway. The white light goes out, then turns on again, and the device moves forward. In a flash, it takes speed, pulls off the belt, makes a turn and disappears on the horizon.
This procedure is repeated respective times. Today, a full of 7 Polish F-16s went up. After them, it was time for visitors. 2 F-35s from Norwegian air force appear at the top of the taxiway. Moments later, they hit on the flight. The closest hours will be to pilots in joint exercises. Since October, this is almost all day at the 31st Tactical Aviation Base.
Polish F-16.
The Norwegian aviation component has checked into the Sub-Zaznańskie Krzesinach A fewer weeks ago. – Our mission is to defend Polish airspace. We besides cover the infrastructure, which is liable for supplying the fighting Ukraine – explains Colonel Morten Hanche, the commander of the contingent. “We moved 4 F-35 aircraft and respective twelve soldiers to Poland,” he adds. Among them are pilots, technicians, but besides military officers liable for protecting the component. The Norwegians cooperate closely with Polish pilots during the mission.
– Each side displays a pair of aircraft that are on duty. We besides organize joint training flights. During them we carry out air-to-air missions, air-to-earth missions, but besides combined missions, which consist in breaking the enemy's air defence and hitting the indicated ground targets – explains Colonel Wojciech Kieczur, commander of the 6th Air Squadron. As he adds, specified cooperation is peculiarly crucial for Polish pilots. It allows not only to strengthen allied ties and to build specified an crucial interoperability for NATO, but besides to research the capabilities of aircraft which will shortly enter the equipment of Polish air force.
The Norwegian aviation component since October has been stationed at 31st Tactical Aviation Base on Poznań Krzesinach.
In 2020 Poland concluded contract for the supply of 32 multitask F-35, and the first machines of this kind are due to appear in Poland next year. presently in the United States pilot training continues. – F-35 is simply a 5th generation machine, perfectly equipped and hard to detect for radars. During joint missions with the F-16s, aircraft of this kind are the first to engage with the opponent. In colloquially speaking, they open the door for us so that we can inform our weapons to the right place and at the right time – says Colonel Kieczur.
The Norwegian mission is in line with the Natatian scare strategy. For possible opponents, it is simply a signal that NATO is ready to act together and defend the territory of the associate States. “We are ready to intercept any objects that violate Polish airspace,” said Norwegian Deputy Minister of Defence Andreas Flaam in October. For his countrymen, this is the second specified mission in Poland. – We were already stationed on the Krzesiny at the turn of last year and this year. Our tasks were identical at the time – says Colonel Hanche and adds: "We focus on acting as 1 team.
The Norwegian aviation component since October has been stationed at 31st Tactical Aviation Base on Poznań Krzesinach.
The mission of the Norwegian component as planned should be completed in December. However, it may be extended.
The Norwegian F-35 is not the only aircraft from NATO countries to aid defend Polish territory. Machines from Sweden, large Britain and the Netherlands have already been stationed in the bases of the Polish Army.
Norwegians besides sent soldiers of another types of troops to Poland. For example, NASAMS air defence systems were deployed close Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport. And on October 1st, a centre called fresh Deba was launched. Camp Jomsborg. Norwegian instructors train soldiers from Ukraine.