Poland to deploy F-16s to defend airspace over Baltic states
Photo: Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz (Getty Images)
Starting April 1, Poland will patrol the airspace over the Baltic states using F-16 fighter jets, according to a statement by Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.
He explained that Poland would deploy four F-16 fighter jets and 150 troops to Lithuania. The patrol mission is set to last until July 31.
"This is our contribution to solidarity and allied air defense over the Baltic states," Kosiniak-Kamysz said.
He also spoke about joint efforts with European Union countries to secure the Baltic Sea.
"At our request, the Baltic Watch was established — a NATO operation in which we participate together. We are deploying our units, protecting our territorial waters, and operating in the Baltic Sea area," he explained.
Incidents in the Baltic Sea
At the end of 2024, underwater communication cables between Finland and Estonia were damaged in the Baltic Sea. Additionally, the vessel Eagle S from Russia’s shadow tanker fleet was detained.
According to the investigation, the ship’s crew had planned to damage another energy cable, Estlink 1, as well as the BalticConnector gas pipeline.
Prior to this incident, two other data transmission cables between Finland and Germany had also been severed.
