Operation Chessman - in an official ceremony attended by a number of VIPs from the UK, Sweden and Poland, NATO declares the Air Forces ready to conduct enhanced Air Policing under their command.
During this deployment, the RAF will be augmented by a detachment of Swedish Gripen fighter jets. This is the first time that Swedish combat aircraft will take part in air policing from the territory of another ally. It is also the first time that Swedish combat aircraft will take part in NATO’s enhanced Air Policing under the command of NATO since their accession to NATO in 2024.
Lord Coaker, Minister for the House of Lords; the Polish Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Defence, Mr Władysław Kosniak; and Sweden’s Minister of Defence, Mr Pal Jonson were among the many VIPs attending this ceremony, a significant event in the history of NATO Air Policing.
This RAF detachment in Poland follows a deployment to Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Romania, in 2024 and highlights the UK’s unwavering commitment to NATO’s collective defence and the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the region.
Wing Commander Jacob, Commanding Officer of 140 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW) at the 22nd Air Base, said, “The arrival of our Typhoon aircraft here at Malbork marks a proud moment for our team as we prepare to take on this vital NATO mission. It is a privilege to be in Poland, a country with which the United Kingdom shares a long and storied history of friendship and cooperation, that predates the NATO Alliance."
This enduring bond, forged through shared values and mutual respect, reinforces the importance of NATO’s collective purpose and strengthens the foundation of our partnership.
Wing Commander Jacob
He added, “We are here to defend and deter, standing ready to protect against any threat, whilst reassuring our allies of the UK’s commitment to NATO and the region. Additionally, we strive to foster partnership, advance interoperability, develop trust, and reinforce collaboration and unity among our NATO member partners. Together, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to NATO’s collective defence, safeguarding the skies and fortifying bonds among our allies.”
