Norwegian F‑35s to shield Ukraine's main military aid hub in Poland
Photo: Norway to send F-35 to Poland (Getty Images)
Norway will strengthen its contribution to NATO's air and missile defense system. This fall, F-35 fighter jets will be deployed to Poland and Rzeszów Airport, the Norwegian Ministry of Defense reports on X.
According to the statement, the mission is aimed at protecting the airspace of Poland and the key logistics hub for assistance to Ukraine.
"This is a vital contribution. We are helping ensure that support to Ukraine reaches its destination, and that Ukraine can continue its fight for freedom," said Defense Minister Tore O. Sandvik.
The operation has been carefully planned to ensure Norway's national combat readiness and security, the Ministry added.
Rzeszów
Rzeszów is a city in southeastern Poland. It is located about 80 kilometers from the border with Ukraine. Rzeszów is a strategic Western support center for Ukraine, through which a significant share of supplies flow amid the war.
Since 2022, Rzeszów has become the main transit point for deliveries of weapons, equipment, humanitarian aid, and gear from NATO countries to Ukraine.
Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport has an extended runway adapted to accommodate heavy military aircraft (including American C-17s).
Rzeszów is covered by air defense systems, including American Patriots, and NATO aircraft (in particular F-35s) are also redeployed there.
In the area, there are military contingents of the United States and other allies, as well as warehouses with equipment and gear.
F-35
F-35 fighter jets are fifth-generation multirole stealth fighters developed by the American company Lockheed Martin. They are considered among the most modern and technologically advanced combat aircraft in the world.
Key features
- Stealth technology: low observability to radars;
- Multifunctionality: Perform the tasks of a fighter, attack aircraft, and reconnaissance plane;
- Network-centric: Exchange data with other combat units in real-time;
- High-precision aviation: Carry a wide range of modern weapons, including air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles.
The F-35s are in service with NATO countries and US allies, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Poland, Norway, Japan, Israel, and others.
This is one of the key elements of modern Western defense, especially in the context of potential conflict with such underdeveloped countries as Russia and Iran.
