In connection with Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the ongoing war, many people are asking themselves: is Poland safe? How does NATO protect its eastern flank?
In addition to the physical presence of troops from Poland, the USA and other NATO countries, the airspace of NATO’s eastern flank is patrolled by aircraft: multirole fighter jets supported by airlifters, tankers, command aircraft and early-warning aircraft.
Various types of military helicopters are also present in Polish skies.
As we read on defence24.pl:
These aircraft—including Eurofighters, French Rafales, and American and Dutch F-16s and F-35s—are armed with air-to-air missiles. They are therefore capable of intercepting aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and drones.
So far, however, NATO has not provided the capability to combat ballistic missiles such as Iskander or Tochka-U missiles. The Polish Armed Forces do not have this capability either, as deliveries of the first Wisła batteries (IBCS/Patriot) are expected at the end of the year, and even after they are delivered, it will be necessary to complete operator training, system integration and so on.
Two batteries of Patriot missile defense systems have already arrived in Poland. The transfer of the equipment was announced during a recent visit to Poland by US Vice President Kamala Harris.
More at: defence24.pl and spidersweb.pl