Crews from 70 Squadron trained at Powidz alongside Polish Air Force pilots. The programme included tactical low-level flights, grass-runway operations, airdrops and the movement of NATO partner vehicles.
The deployment tested the RAF’s ability to disperse aircraft away from established airbases. Such operations can reduce reliance on fixed infrastructure and allow air mobility missions to continue from austere locations.
The training also gave pilots, aircrew and commanders experience of operating under non-standard conditions. Dispersal has become a greater focus for NATO amid rising threats to military infrastructure on the alliance’s eastern flank.
Wing Commander Doug Grove, Officer Commanding 70 Squadron, said: “The A400M continues to prove its worth. By providing the RAF, UK Defence and NATO with the agility to airlift the wide variety of large vehicles, supplies and troops of the alliance to challenging locations, it remains a key cornerstone of the Air Mobility Force in helping the UK protect the homeland and secure NATO territories.”
“Giving our crews the chance to practise unprepared runway operations ensures the RAF remains ready to fly and fight. Seamless interoperability with our NATO partners is of particular importance to reinforcing the cohesion of the Alliance and a great deal of mutual learning has taken place with our Polish friends.”
The Poland deployment follows a series of operational missions for the A400M during 2026. The aircraft transported paratroopers and medical personnel to Tristan da Cunha to treat a seriously ill British national and supported continuing resupply flights across the wider Middle East.
The A400M can transport troops and tactical vehicles, deliver supplies and paratroopers by air, and operate from temporary runways. That combination gives the RAF options to sustain missions when access to conventional airfields is limited.
Several NATO members operate the A400M, allowing their air forces to train on a common platform. The RAF said this strengthens interoperability and supports more resilient multinational air mobility operations.
The same capabilities have growing relevance in the High North, covering Arctic and sub-Arctic areas of northern Europe, North America and Russia. The RAF views the region as increasingly important to NATO security and to the protection of British interests.
