Norwegian F‑35s bolster NATO's eastern defence in Poland
On Wednesday, 8 January, Norwegian F-35 fighter jets landed at the Poznań-Krzesiny Air Base in Poznań. They arrived on an "important mission," according to a statement from the military.
As stated in a Facebook post by the 31st Tactical Air Base Poznań-Krzesiny, "Norwegian F-35 fighter jets landed in Poznań as part of Norway's contribution to NATO's integrated air and missile defence." The aircraft will remain on standby to support the alliance at least until Easter, as their mission to protect the logistics hub in Rzeszów is expected to last this long.
Fighter jets and soldiers from Norway in Poland
Alongside the fighter jets, 100 Norwegian soldiers will also be deployed to Poland, where they will be stationed in Rzeszów. They are expected to support the currently operating forces in the region and oversee the security of transports. This is a critical task, as the hub in Rzeszów functions to receive equipment being sent onward to Ukraine.
Colonel Ole Marius Tørrisplass, commander of the 132nd Air Wing, emphasised the significance of the Norwegians' mission in Poland. "This is a very important task for the Armed Forces of Norway. The ability and readiness to support the NATO alliance in demanding times demonstrate our strength," reads the statement. Tørrisplass adds that 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 that Poland ordered in 2020. The agreement from several years ago, worth $4.6 billion, concerns purchasing 32 fifth-generation multi-role F-35A jets. Along with them, Poland will receive training and logistics packages. The first deliveries of the aircraft are scheduled to begin in 2026.
The F-35 is a fifth-generation fighter jet developed by Lockheed Martin. It is designed for a single pilot and has dimensions of nearly 52 feet in length, 14 feet in height, and a wingspan of 35 feet. This fighter jet uses stealth technology, making it difficult to detect by radar. The F-35 is capable of carrying modern armaments. The Polish jets are expected to be equipped with air-to-air missiles such as the AIM-120C-5 and AIM-9X Sidewinder, air-to-ground AGM-154C JSOW missiles, as well as guided bombs like Paveway and JDAM.
