(C) NATO
This story was originally published by NATO and is unaltered.
 . . . . . . . . . .



Polish F-16 jets launch under NATO Baltic Air Policing in Estonia [1]

[]

Date: 2024-03 

RAMSTEIN, Germany - On December 13, the Polish F-16s conducted their first alert scramble and intercepted a Russian Il-18V. The military plane flew from mainland Russia to Kaliningrad above the Baltic Sea near NATO airspace. The mission has been a routine interception under NATO Air Policing.

Poland is an active contributor the enduring Allied mission in the skies in the region and supports NATO’s collective defence posture

During the week December 11 to 16, the Polish jets - and the other two NATO detachments from Belgium and France - deployed in the region flew similar Air Policing missions on five occasions. These collective efforts underline NATO’s readiness posture and vigilance in the region



A Polish Air Force pilot is getting ready to run pre-flight routines in a hangar at Ämari Air Base, Estonia. Archive photo by Polish Air Force.

A Polis Air Force F-16 leaving the hangar ready for a night flying mission at Ämari Air Base, Estonia. Archive photo by Polish Air Force.

A French Mirage 2000-5 fighter flying alongside a Polish F-16 during a training flight. Archive photo by Polish Air Force.

The first Polish intercept occurred on December 13; in a routine intercept, the F-16s intercepted a Russian Il-18V flying above the Baltic Sea near NATO airspace. Photo by Polish Air Force.

Even at a time when people are at home with their families for the holidays at the end of the year, Allies are continuing to keep the watch, as they stand together in solidarity and cohesion committed to deterrence and defence.

The Polish Air Force has been supporting NATO’s most recent Air Policing rotation over the territory of the Baltic Allies. Four of their F-16s deployed to Ämari at the end of November and will be safeguarding the skies above the Baltic Sea region together with Belgian F-16s and French Mirage 2000-5 stationed at Šiauliai in Lithuania.



Poland is an active contributor the enduring Allied mission in the skies in the region and supports NATO’s collective defence posture by providing Malbork and Łask Air Bases for Allied fighter deployments.

[END]
---
[1] Url: https://ac.nato.int/archive/2023/POL_F16_eAP_EST_update.aspx

Published and (C) by NATO
Content appears here under this condition or license: in acordance with "Requirements for the external use of NATO content.".

via Magical.Fish Gopher News Feeds:
gopher://magical.fish/1/feeds/news/nato/