Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram announced on Monday (December 2) the deployment of F-35 multi-role fighter jets and NASAMS air defense systems to Poland. These assets will help protect the airspace over the logistics hub in Rzeszów, which plays a crucial role in facilitating aid to Ukraine.
From early December, Norway will safeguard the airspace above the Rzeszów airport in Poland and will send around 100 soldiers in addition to the air defence systems and fighter jets, the ministry said in a statement.
The deployment of Norwegian soldiers is meant to support existing forces in safeguarding the security of military and civilian equipment shipments passing through the hub. This hub is critical not only for delivering supplies to Ukraine but also for medical evacuations, which Norway oversees, according to the Norwegian Ministry of Defense.
"Ukraine remains in critical need of military support, with Poland as the most critical logistics hub ... This way Norway contributes to ensuring that aid to Ukraine reaches its destination," Defence Minister Bjoern Arild Gram said.
Minister Gram emphasized Ukraine’s urgent need for military supplies and acknowledged Poland’s significant efforts as a logistical hub enabling these deliveries. He stated that Norway’s involvement reflects its commitment to the collective effort to ensure that essential aid reaches Ukraine.
Poland's Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz expressed gratitude for Norway’s contribution, writing on the platform X:
"From December, another boost to our border security. Four Norwegian F-35s, along with their air defense systems, will protect our airspace and NATO's eastern flank. A big thank you to our Norwegian allies!"
The Norwegian Ministry of Defense noted that the mission at the Rzeszów airport would operate under NATO’s framework and was scheduled to last until Easter.
Źródło: TVN24 News in English, PAP, Reuters
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