Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1536266
S ince Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Poland has rapidly transformed into a frontline state, sharing a direct border with the conflict zone. This proximity to the war has shifted Poland's role in NATO from a peripheral member to one of vital strategic importance. A key element of Poland's significance in this new reality is the Rzeszów-Jasionka airport, which has become a central logistical hub for transporting Western military aid to Ukrainian forces fighting against the Russian invasion. The airport facilitates the rapid transit of essential military equipment and supplies, including weapons, ammunition, and humanitarian assistance, directly to the Ukrainian military. The urgency of this logistical effort has triggered an unprecedented military response from NATO, which has bolstered its presence in Poland to safeguard the region and reinforce NATO's collective defence principles. As part of NATO's strategy to secure Poland's airspace and provide continuous defence against potential Russian threats, the alliance has deployed rotational forces under Operation Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD). These forces play a crucial role in maintaining air superiority and ensuring the readiness of NATO's eastern flank. A significant step in this effort came in January 2025, when four Norwegian F-35 fighter jets were deployed to the 31st Tactical Air Base in Poznań-Krzesiny, taking on 24/7 Quick Reaction Alert as part of NATO's IAMD mission. These F-35 jets bring cutting-edge capabilities to Poland's air defence system, enhancing interoperability with Poland's existing air assets. The presence of NATO air units in Poland is not new; it dates back to 2014, when Kremlin annexed Crimea, escalating tensions between NATO and Russia. In response to this aggression, NATO introduced its Baltic Air Policing mission, which initially focused on the security of the Baltic States. The mission was strengthened by deploying additional detachments to the 22nd Tactical Air Base in Malbork, which became a secondary site for NATO's air policing efforts (primary was and still is Siauliai Air Base). Over the years, personnel from various NATO countries, including France, Italy, Turkey, and the Netherlands, have rotated through Malbork as part of these efforts. The mission primarily focused on securing the Baltic region, preventing Russian incursions into international airspace, and monitoring Russian aircraft behavior, such as the frequent lack of activated transponders or incomplete flight plans. These incidents posed a serious risk to air traffic and the safety of neighbouring countries. However, it wasn't until Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 that NATO's air defense efforts in Poland were significantly ramped up. In the face of Russian air and missile threats, the Polish Air Force required additional support to defend its eastern border from potential violations of Polish airspace by Russian tactical aircraft and cruise missiles. To address this need, NATO deployed USAF aircraft on rotational basis, including F-15C(final combat deployment of 493 Fighter Squadron from Lakenheath), F-15E, F-22 (90th Fighter Squadron from Elmendorf ), F-16 (both Aviano and Spangdahlem based units), and F-35 (495th Fighter Squadron) jets, which operated from the 32nd Tactical Air Base in Łask (home of 16 Polish F-16 Block 52+ from "Dragons" Fighter Squadron) as part of NATO's IAMD. For many months, these NATO aircraft conducted air patrols, surveillance, and rapid-response missions to monitor Russian air activity and safeguard Polish airspace. In response to this growing threat, Norway's government confirmed in December 2024 that they would provide further support to the eastern NATO flank by deploying both air and missile defense capabilities to Poland. This support included four Norwegian F-35 fighter jets and NASAMS (Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) batteries. Norwegian Defense Minister Arild Gram made it clear that Norway's contribution aimed to help ensure that Western military aid to Ukraine could reach its destination safely: „Ukraine remains in critical need of military support, with Poland as the most critical logistics hub. This way, Norway contributes to ensuring that aid to Ukraine reaches its destination." To facilitate this effort, NASAMS batteries were deployed near Rzeszów- Jasionka Airport, where they joined other air defense systems from NATO and partner countries stationed there since the onset of the invasion in February 2022. The Norwegian contingent currently in Poland numbers approximately 100 personnel (that includes NASAMS crews and F-35 personnel from 331 and 332 Squadrons from Orland Air Base), reflecting the importance of Poland's role in the broader NATO defence strategy. AVIATION