Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1536266
Netherlands (F‑16 and F‑35), Turkey (F‑16), Portugal (F‑16), and Italy (F‑35 and Eurofighter) have all contributed forces. The presence of numerous NATO air contingents in Poland also reflects Poland's own needs. The backbone of Poland's air force remains its small fleet of Lockheed Martin F‑16C/D "Jastrząb" fighters, which require modernization and also deploy abroad on Baltic Air Policing rotations. They are supplemented by a few MiG‑29M (possibly soon headed to Ukraine), obsolete Su‑22M4 (to be withdrawn shortly), and an incomplete squadron of KAI FA‑50GF Fighting Eagles, though these currently lack the air‑2‑air weapons needed to integrate into the national air‐defense system. Given these requirements, it is likely that for many more months the 22nd Air Base—and others—will continue hosting numerous NATO contingents. It is no secret that U.S. aircraft are also present at Łask Air Base. Over the coming weeks, three types of combat jets will operate from Królewo Malborskie: Eurofighter Typhoon, Saab JAS‑39C Gripen, and Poland's handful of MiG‑29M. (Photo: RAF) Since April 1st, British and Swedish combat aircraft have been stationed at the 22nd Air Base in Królewo Malborskie. Special lightweight shelters were prepared for them on the ramp. (Photo: RAF) AVIATION