Norway sends air defense and F-35 fighter jets to Poland

Norway wants to send fighter jets, air defense systems and soldiers to Poland to protect the airport in Rzeszow near the Ukrainian border. This was announced by Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram. "The situation in Ukraine is critical and the transportation of material into the country is largely taking place through Poland," he explained.

According to the ministry, Norway intends to send around 100 soldiers as well as several F-35 fighter jets and Nasams air defense systems to the NATO partner state within the next few days. The mission will take place as part of the alliance's integrated air and missile defense in Polish airspace and will last until Easter. It is intended to help secure the airport in Rzeszow, the statement continued.

Poland's Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz reacted to the announcement from Norway on Platform X: "From December, the security of our borders will be further strengthened. Four Norwegian F-35s and their air defense systems will protect our area and the eastern flank of NATO. Many thanks to our allies from Norway!"

Important hub for the transportation of armaments

Poland, an EU and NATO member state, is an important political and military ally of Ukraine, which is under attack from Russia. It also plays a crucial role as a logistical hub for the West's military aid to Kiev.

The airport near Rzeszow, around 100 kilometers from the border with Ukraine, is central to the transport of armaments. US soldiers are currently stationed there and the airport is protected by American Patriot air defense units. Germany also announced last week that it would be deploying Patriot systems to south-eastern Poland again at the beginning of the year.

SDA