Brig. Gen. Ireneusz Nowak, the head of the air force board, deputy air force inspector of the General Command of the Armed Forces says that Russia is increasingly harassing NATO planes close to Polish airspace. The current situation causes greater tension, and greater risk and is becoming definitely more serious for the entire NATO community.

Brig. Gen. Nowak said that Russian Su-35, Su-27 and MiG-29 planes from Belarus have repeatedly approached Polish airspace since the invasion of Ukraine. He also says that Russia keeps its early warning and control aircraft Beriew A-50 in the air at all times.

NATO observed the increased activity of Russian aviation from the first days of February, many days before the invasion of Ukraine. The presence of Russian combat jets has increased in the vicinity of the Polish airspace bordering the Baltic countries and Belarus.

Nowak assured, that the aviation of Poland and NATO allies responded as needed. “We have shown our opponents that we are ready and that we are not going to withdraw”, assured the head of the air force management board.

In the opinion of General Nowak, the adoption of American techniques, tactics and procedures as well as joint training and education by Poles made the missions run smoothly. “One day American pilots come here, and the next they can already make operational flights”, he added.

“Poland is perceived as a threat to Russia, but also as a country that supports a strong US presence in Europe. For Poland, special relations with the US Air Force are very important. This is crucial for us”, said Brig. Ireneusz Nowak.

Adrian Andrzejewski