Norway sends F-35 fighter jets to Poland

8 January, 2025 Norwegian F-35A fighters. Poland, January 8, 2025. Photo: Marcin Kurkus

Norway has deployed its F-35A multirole fighter jets to strengthen the protection of Polish airspace, where the logistics center for international military assistance to Ukraine is located. The aircraft's arrival was reported by the 31st Tactical Air Base (31 Baza Lotnictwa Taktycznego) of the Polish Air Force, located on Poznan's outskirts. The fighter jets arrived as part of Norway's contribution to NATO's integrated air and missile defense.

The aircraft will be in constant readiness to support the North Atlantic Alliance in the region.

Norwegian F-35A fighters. Poland, January 8, 2025. Photo credits: Marcin Kurkus

In December, Norway had deployed the NASAMS air defense system in Poland to protect the logistics center of international military assistance to Ukraine.

90% of Western aid to Ukraine passes through this hub.

Norwegian F-35A fighter jet. Poland, January 8, 2025. Photo credits: Pawel Krzeszkiewicz

This decision was made within the framework of North Atlantic Alliance cooperation amid growing security risks.

The hub is located at Poland's Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport. In addition to the air defense systems, 100 Norwegian soldiers will be deployed in Poland. The mission is expected to last until Easter.

Norwegian NASAMS in Poland.

December, 2024. Photo credits: Martin Mellquist/Norwegian Armed Forces

The Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport in Poland is a key transit hub for foreign military aid to the Ukrainian Defense Forces. Ninety percent of Western aid to Ukraine passes through this hub.

Also, last November, the German Defense Ministry proposed that NATO deploy the German Patriot air defense system in Poland.

Illustrative photo on the topic: Military aid

In addition, as originally planned, NATO has taken over the coordination of Western military assistance to Ukraine from the United States.

The headquarters of the new mission for Ukraine, called NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine, is located on the territory of the US base in the German city of Wiesbaden.