NATO states that the deployment forms part of its enhanced Air Policing posture on the eastern flank, where forward basing of capable aircraft demonstrates collective defensive readiness. The presence of German fighters in Poland aims to strengthen the Alliance’s ability to respond rapidly to any potential air threat.
“Our deployment to Poland highlights Germany’s unwavering commitment to the shared security of the Euro-Atlantic area. We look forward to working with our Polish counterparts as we take on NATO’s Air Policing mission for the next four months” said the Detachment Commander, Callsign “Colonel”.
During the mission, German pilots and ground crew will work alongside the Polish Air Force and NATO’s Combined Air Operations Centre in Uedem, which directs all Air Policing activity in the region. Regular training flights with Allied forces will ensure full preparedness to respond to unidentified or uncooperative aircraft approaching NATO airspace.
This deployment represents the second concurrent Air Policing detachment for Germany, following the Eurofighter mission launched from Mihail Kogălniceanu in Romania in April 2025. NATO notes that these operations support a continuous peacetime task that has been reinforced through the Eastern Sentry enhanced vigilance activity.
Eastern Sentry provides a flexible posture that can adjust to evolving security conditions while fortifying NATO’s eastern flank. Germany says the deployment underlines its commitment to collective defence, cooperation and deterrence, as well as the value of integration and interoperability within the Euro Atlantic area.
Source: Allied Air Command (AIRCOM).
