Ramstein, Germany – Royal Air Force (RAF) Eurofighter Typhoon jets have landed at the 22nd Air Base in Malbork, Poland, ahead of NATO’s enhanced Air Policing mission (eAP).
The Eurofighters of II Army Cooperation (AC) Squadron from RAF Lossiemouth, United Kingdom, will take on NATO’s eAP mission for the next four month, demonstrating their continued contribution to safeguarding NATO airspace.
This enduring bond, forged through shared values and mutual respect, reinforces the importance of NATO’s collective purpose and strengthens the foundation of our partnership
“The arrival of our Typhoon aircraft here at Malbork marks a proud moment for our team as we prepare to take on this vital NATO mission. It is a privilege to be in Poland, a country with which the United Kingdom shares a long and storied history of friendship and cooperation, that predates the NATO Alliance”, said Wing Commander Christopher Jacob, Commanding Officer of 140 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW), at the 22nd Air Base. “This enduring bond, forged through shared values and mutual respect, reinforces the importance of NATO’s collective purpose and strengthens the foundation of our partnership”, he added.
The deployment to Poland signified the United Kingdom's unwavering commitment to NATO’s collective defence. Photo courtesy of the Royal Air Force
During the enhanced Air Policing mission the UK will be augmented by a detachment of Swedish Gripen fighter jets. Photo courtesy of the Royal Air Force
The Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon jets landed at the 22nd Air Base in Malbork, Poland, for NATO's enhanced Air Policing mission. Photo courtesy of the Royal Air Force
During this deployment the RAF will be augmented by a detachment of Swedish Gripen fighter jets. This is the first time that Swedish combat aircraft will take part in air policing from the territory of another Ally. It is also the first time that Swedish combat aircraft will take part in NATO’s enhanced Air Policing under the command of NATO since their accession to NATO in 2024.
This RAF detachment in Poland follows a deployment to Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Romania, in 2024 and highlights the UK’s unwavering commitment to NATO’s collective defence and the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the region.
Enhanced Air Policing is part of NATO’s Assurance Measures introduced in 2014, after Russia’s illegal annexation of the Crimean peninsula. The Alliance implemented these Assurance Measures to demonstrate the collective resolve of Allies, demonstrate the defensive nature of NATO and deter Russia from aggression or the threat of aggression.
This deployment highlights the UK’s dedication to supporting NATO allies, and promoting the collective security of Europe.