Polish fighters execute air policing mission under NATO command

Poland has deployed four F-16 Fighting Falcons to Šiauliai, Lithuania, as part of NATO's Air Policing mission. This deployment, which occurred recently, includes additional support from four Romanian Air Force F-16s that had arrived just days before. These forces are taking over the role from previous detachments from France and Italy. The operation aims to bolster NATO's presence on its eastern flank amid ongoing tensions following Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. This is a critical aspect of NATO's strategy to ensure air security in the region, particularly in response to potential threats from adversaries. Simultaneously, the UK's Royal Air Force and the Swedish Air Force have sent Eurofighter Typhoons and Saab JAS 39 Gripens, respectively, to Poland. These aircraft are stationed at the 22nd Air Base in Malbork, Poland, and will conduct Air Policing missions alongside their Polish counterparts. The Swedish Armed Forces have publicly shared images of their Gripen fighters’ arrival, underscoring their commitment to the Enhanced Air Policing Mission. This marks a significant development as it is the first time the Swedish Air Force has engaged in an Enhanced Air Policing Mission since joining NATO. Lieutenant Colonel Anders Gustafsson of the Swedish Air Force remarked on the successful collaboration among the British, Polish, and Swedish forces to prepare for Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) missions. The increased presence of these nations' air forces is a clear indicator of NATO's united front in managing air defense across its member states. The Ramstein Flag 2025 multinational air combat exercise is also currently underway, having begun on March 31 and concluding on April 11. This large-scale event focuses on 'distributed operations' among NATO allies, enhancing coordination and operational readiness in shared airspace. While it's uncertain how many Gripens are involved in the exercise, their presence highlights the ongoing integration and cooperation among NATO members in reinforcing deterrence capabilities amid rising geopolitical tensions.