(sporadically replaced by US-based aircraft). This year, the ADR ex-
ercise took a shape that was a bit different. It was the first time
when Poland hosted the F-15s hailing from the 48th Fighter Wing
based at RAF Lakenheath in the UK. Previously, the F-15s only had
been visiting Poland during airshows, and made a brief appearance
in Powidz, back in 2019. Interestingly, the Eagles have been fre-
quently visiting the eastern flank during exercises or rotations - in
Bulgaria, Romania, or Lithuania. F-15Cs and F-15Ds hailing from the
493rd Fighter Squadron came to Poland this time (the Squadron is
known as the "Grim Reapers" - some of the aircraft that came to Po-
land also had markings commemorating their victories of the first
Gulf War), along with F-15Es from the 494th Fighter Squadron. The
aircraft of the latter unit were deployed to the Łask AB. Additionally,
both bases also held 4 (two in each base) F-16Cs from the 480th
Fighter Squadron based in Spangdahlem. The deployment was sup-
ported by C-130Js from Ramstein. These, however, did not stay in
AVIATION
