Norway has taken on NATO responsibility for safeguarding the airspace around Rzeszów Airport in Poland by deploying around 100 military personnel, air defence systems, and F-35 fighter jets, the Norwegian Defence Minister announced on Monday.
The airport, located approximately 100 kilometres from the Ukrainian border, plays a strategic role in the transport of military equipment to Kyiv’s forces. NATO allies have been rotating responsibility for securing the facility, Norwegian Defence Minister Bjørn Arild Gram explained in a statement.
Gram added that the airport also plays a central role in medical evacuations for which Norway is responsible.
Norway will send NASAMS air defence systems, military personnel, and stealth aircraft in the coming days, with the mission—including air patrols over Polish airspace—set to continue until at least Easter, Gram said.
The airport is currently protected by Patriot missile batteries, with US military personnel stationed there. Germany has also announced plans to deploy its own Patriot systems to southeastern Poland in early 2025.
Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz thanked Norway via X (formerly Twitter), stating, from December, the security of their borders will be further strengthened. He added that four Norwegian F-35s and air defence systems will protect their airspace and NATO’s eastern flank. The minister also granted many thanks to their Norwegian allies.
Warsaw has been one of Ukraine’s strongest political and economic supporters since the war with Russia began nearly three years ago. Poland serves as a critical logistical hub for the delivery of Western military aid to Ukrainian forces.
Also read: US opens new air base in Poland amid Trump presidency concerns
Photo source: Reuters
Source: ANA-MPA
