proximity to the conflict in Ukraine has made its airspace and territory vital
to the alliance's mission to contain Russian expansionism. With the increasing
frequency of combat air patrols and air policing missions along the Ukrainian
border, NATO's role in Poland continues to evolve.
At the 31st Tactical Air Base in Poznań-Krzesiny (where 32 of Polish Vipers are
based – 3rd Fighter Squadron "Ravens" and 6th Fighter Squadron "Tigers"),
Norwegian forces have taken on continuous duties as part of NATO's Integrated
Air and Missile Defense System (NATINAMDS), reporting to NATO's Combined
Air Operations Centre in Uedem, Germany. Norwegian fighter jets do not
perform their shifts in rotation with the Polish Air Force, but rather alongside
them, with Polish forces rotating through two F-16 bases in Krzesiny and
Łask and a MiG-29 base in Malbork. Prior to the outbreak of full-scale war
in Ukraine, NATO's scramble missions were largely limited to responding to
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