Earlier this week I travelled to Poland to visit the Royal Air Force, currently deployed on Op CHESSMAN conducting the NATO Air Policing role to counter the threat of Russia.
Having the opportunity to visit a frontline Typhoon FGR4 squadron was sobering and provided a real insight into the current threats. These pilots and groundcrews are at readiness to provide coverage against Russian incursion. No sooner had we arrived at the 22nd Tactical Air Base in Malbork we were present as the Typhoon’s were scrambled to intercept a Russian ‘Coot A’ bomber (Ilyushin Il-18), the pictures below are of those very Typhoon’s conducting the intercept.
We also had the opportunity to visit the British Embassy in Warsaw to meet with the Ambassador, Anna Clunes, and Defence Attaché in order to understand better how Poland is combatting the immediate threat, particularly with the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad on their northern border. Poland have increased their defence spending to beyond 4.5% of GDP and are about to fortify their border.
Ahead of the Strategic Defence Review tomorrow, this visit provided a vital insight into the current global threat, a threat that we are geographically far enough away from not to feel day-to-day, but our NATO partners in the East feel far more keenly.
My thanks to all those at No.2 (Army Cooperation) Squadron, Royal Air Force and to the British Ambassador and Embassy staff for hosting the cross-party delegation.
NB: On a lighter note, Brampton Bear from the Brampton Kids Club also put in an appearance!
