Norwegian F‑35s land in Poland for crucial NATO mission
On Wednesday, January 8th, Norwegian F-35 fighter jets landed at the Poznań-Krzesiny 31st Tactical Air Base. They arrived with an "important mission," according to a military statement.
A statement from the 31st Tactical Air Base Poznań-Krzesiny on Facebook mentioned, "Norwegian F-35 fighter jets have landed in Poznań as part of Norway's contribution to NATO's integrated air and missile defense." The aircraft will be on standby to support the alliance until at least Easter, as their mission to protect the logistics hub in Rzeszów is expected to last that long.
Fighter jets and soldiers from Norway in Poland
Alongside the fighter jets, 100 Norwegian soldiers will also arrive in Poland. They will be stationed in Rzeszów, where they are tasked with supporting the military currently operating in the region and overseeing the security of transports. This task is critical because Rzeszów serves as the location of a hub where equipment is sent to Ukraine.
Colonel Ole Marius Tørrisplass, commander of the 132nd Air Wing, highlighted the importance of the Norwegian mission in Poland. "This is a very important task for the Norwegian Armed Forces. The capability and readiness to support the NATO alliance in a demanding time demonstrate our strength," he stated. Tørrisplass added that the Norwegian units are well-prepared to support NATO.
F-35 fighter jets
Let us remember that the F-35 fighter jets that landed in Poznań are the same aircraft Poland ordered in 2020. The agreement from a few years ago, valued at $4.6 billion, involves the purchase of 32 fifth-generation F-35A multi-role fighters. Along with them, Poland will receive training and logistical packages. The first deliveries of the aircraft are set to begin in 2026.
The F-35 is a fifth-generation fighter jet developed by Lockheed Martin. It is a single-pilot aircraft with dimensions of nearly 52 feet in length, 14 feet in height, and a wingspan of 35 feet. This fighter uses stealth technology, making it difficult to detect by radar. It is capable of carrying modern weaponry. The Polish aircraft is expected to be equipped with air-to-air missiles such as the AIM-120C-5 and AIM-9X Sidewinder, air-to-ground missiles like the AGM-154C JSOW, and guided bombs such as Paveway and JDAM.
