Norwegian F‑35s bolster NATO defense presence in Poland
"Yesterday, two Norwegian F-35s stationed in Poland scrambled in response to a massive number of airborne Russian aircraft," reported NATO Air Command.
"This is the first time the Norwegian jets have scrambled in active air defense of Polish Airspace, demonstrating Allied commitment to NATO's eastern flank," read the statement published on the X platform on Thursday.
Norwegian F-35s in Poland as part of NATO operations
The General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces and the Ministry of National Defense announced on January 8 that Norwegian F-35s landed at the 31st Tactical Air Base in Poznan. The mission was announced in early December by the Norwegian Minister of Defense, Bjorn Arild Gram.
Four Norwegian fighter jets are guarding the airspace over the logistics hub in Rzeszow. This mission is expected to last until Easter.
As reported on the X platform by the General Staff, the aircraft are to be ready to support the North Atlantic Alliance as part of Norway's contribution to NATO's integrated air and missile defense. "Poland and Norway together for Europe's security!" it was written.
Along with the fighters and NASAMS anti-aircraft systems, 100 Norwegian soldiers are also arriving in Poland. They will be stationed in Rzeszow, where their task will be to support the forces present in overseeing the security of equipment transports, which later reach Ukraine through the Rzeszow hub, the Norwegian Ministry of Defense reported in a statement.
Two German Patriot batteries have also been directed to Rzeszow.
