The mission, aimed at demonstrating allied solidarity and preparedness, lasted eight hours. Two Polish F-16s have taken part in a joint reconnaissance mission over the Black Sea along with French and Belgian fighter jets and other allied support aircraft. The mission’s main objective was to “enhance capabilities for joint operations in airspace and at sea, as well as to comply with international law,” Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz posted on the X platform. “Such joint missions are an expression of allied solidarity and readiness to cooperate on NATO's eastern flank,” the post continued. “Poland is an active and reliable ally. Together, we are ready to deter and defend NATO territory.” The flight took place against a backdrop of heightened NATO alertness following interceptions of Russian aircraft off the Polish coast. The mission lasted a total of eight hours with three in-flight refuelings and also involved one Belgian F-16 and French Rafale fighters as well as a French tanker, the General Command of the Polish Armed Forces said on X. “Joint operations allow for the refinement of procedures, crew cooperation, and the ability to conduct complex aviation operations within NATO,” Poland’s General Staff posted on the same platform.
