Norwegian F-35 fighter jets in their first mission over Polish airspace
In response to Russia's massive missile attack on Ukraine, Norwegian F-35 multirole fighter jets participated for the first time in history in protecting Polish airspace. These actions are yet another demonstration of NATO's solidarity and readiness to defend its members on the Alliance's eastern flank.
In brief
Norwegian F-35 fighter jets stationed in Poland took part in the active protection of Polish airspace for the first time in history, NATO Allied Air Command reported. The aircraft were scrambled during a massive Russian missile attack on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, in which, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky, at least 40 cruise missiles were launched and more than 30 were shot down. The operation of the Polish forces ended at 8:45, when Russian long-range aviation ceased its attacks.
Russian attack on Ukraine
On Wednesday, Russia launched a massive missile attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. According to President Volodymyr Zelensky, at least 40 cruise missiles were fired, of which Ukrainian air defense managed to destroy more than 30. The attacks primarily targeted the western part of the country, including the Khmelnytskyi, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Lviv regions.
The mayor of Lviv, Andriy Sadovyi, reported that the city avoided power outages, but critical infrastructure in the Drohobych and Stryi districts sustained damage. Fortunately, there were no casualties. President Zelensky emphasized that the attacks were aimed at the energy infrastructure to make it harder for Ukrainians to endure the winter.
NATO responds to the threat
In response to the escalation of hostilities, Poland’s Operational Command of the Armed Forces immediately took appropriate measures. Fighter alert pairs and ground-based air defense systems reached the highest state of readiness. The operation concluded at 8:45 AM when Russian long-range aviation ceased its attacks.
During this time, Norwegian F-35 fighter jets stationed in Poland were scrambled to protect Polish airspace. According to NATO’s Allied Air Command, this marked the first-ever use of Norwegian F-35s in an active defense role over Polish territory.
Source: RMF24 / NATO / Gazeta Morska
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