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Sily Powietrzne (Polish Air Force)

The Polish Air Force would be established as a result of the First World War. Poland has a rich aviation history and great fame was especially during the Second World War gained. During the interwar years, the Polish aviation industry would make great steps in this period. The Polish Air Force became quickly a large force. During the Cold War, Poland would be part of the Warsaw Pact. Almost all types of aircraft which were in use at the Polish Air Force were during this period from Russian origin. Besides these aircraft also the Polish aviation industry would receive a boost, because many Polish Air Force aircraft were built by the Polish PZL. Nowadays Poland has a very modern air force. The 1 Tactical Air Wing is a small self-contained air force within the Polish Air Force. The wing is able to perform all combat tasks and consists of aircraft like the MiG-29 "Fulcrum" which is responsible for the air defense of the Polish airspace and the Su-22 "Fitter" which is used for the offensive tasks of the air force. The 2 Tactical Air Wing is the most modern and youngest wing of the Polish Air Force. The units of this wing are equipped with the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon. Like the 1 Tactical Air Wing also the 2 Tactical Air Wing is able to operate both in the air defense role as the offensive role with the help of the F-16. The transport aircraft of the 3 Tactical Airlift Wing is responsible for the logistical connections through the air. The American Lockheed C-130 Hercules is the workhorse of the Polish Air Force. In addition to the Hercules the Spanish CASA C-295 is used as a tactical transport aircraft and the PZL M28 as a light transport aircraft. Besides the transport aircraft of the 3 Tactical Airlift Wing also several transport helicopters are in use at this unit. These helicopters are used for transport duties and for the commitment of the Polish Special Forces. Also part of the helicopter fleet of the Polish Air Force will be used for VIP and government transport in Warsaw. The Polish aviation flying school is in Poland referred to as the 4 Flying Training Wing. The main task of this training wing is the education of all military pilots of the Polish Air Force. The Polish 4 Flying Training Wing is stationed at the airfields Deblin and Radom. Only training aircraft are stationed at these two airfields.

History of the Polish Air Force

The Polish Air Force is referred in Polish to as Sily Powietrzne which literally means air force. The Air Force of Poland is one of the military branches of the Polish armed forces. Until July 2004 the Polish Air Force was officially designated as Wojska Lotnicze i Obrony Powietrznej (Air and Air Defense Forces). Nowadays, the Polish Air Force is fully integrated into the NATO structure. Poland is a member state of the European Union and NATO and is providing assistance in the contribution to the international arena. The Polish Air Force has its origins in the months after the end of First World War in 1918. In 1918, some squadrons of aircraft were created within the Polish units in the allied countries. In Russia, a squadron was formed as part of the Polish Corps of General Józef Dowbór-Muśnicki. This unit, however, was disbanded along with the Corps in May 1918. Five bomber squadrons were created in France in the army of General Józef Haller. The military aviation in Poland had just started when the country regained its independence in November 1918. The fledgling air force originally consisted of German and Austrian aircraft which were conquered or abandoned due to damage. These aircraft were used for the first time in the fight against Ukraine in the area of Lwów in 1918. After 1919, Poland was involved in the war with the Soviet Union and the country began to buy aircraft abroad. As a result, the Polish Air Force consisted of a variety of planes from the First World War era. The most widely used aircraft were of the type SPAD XIII, Fokker D.VII, Oeffag D.III, Ansaldo Balilla, SPAD VII, Albatross D.III, Sopwith Dolphin and Fokker EV (D.VIII).

After the Polish-Soviet War, the aircraft from the period of the First World War were gradually phased out. From 1924 to 1926, the French SPAD 61 entered operation. The standard light bombers of the Poles were also French and were of the type Potez 15, Breguet XIX and Potez 25. The Potez bombers were produced in Poland. The medium bombers were of the type Farman Goliath and later a military variant of the Fokker F-VII. In 1933 the first monoplanes were introduced. These aircraft were fully made of metal and were designed by Zygmunt Puławski. The first type which entered service was the PZL P.7a. This design was followed by 30 improved PZL P.11a aircraft. The final design of the PZL P.11c was produced in a quantity of 175 pieces in 1935. This aircraft remained the only Polish fighter in the Polish Air Force until 1939. The aircraft was however already outdated compared to foreign aircraft designs in the same period. The PZL P.24 was only designed and built for export and was bought by four countries. The new fighter aircraft of the type PZL 50 Jastrząb (Hawk) were similar to the Seversky P-35 and would be produced too late for participation during the Second World War. In 1938 the Polish factory PZL designed a modern twin-engine medium bomber designated as the PZL 37 Los (Elk). This aircraft was the best bomber in the world in the same year. The Los had a payload of 2580 kg and a top speed of 439 km/h. Also of this type, were only a few aircraft been built and it played only a small role during the Second World War.

In 1939, Poland ordered 160 MS-406 in France and 10 Hawker Hurricanes in the United Kingdom. However, these aircraft were not delivered on time before the outbreak of the Second World War. At the beginning of the invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, many Polish fighters were sent to alternative sites to avoid destruction. The German bombers managed to destroy mainly training aircraft at several airfields. The fighters were grouped into 15 squadrons in the area around Warsaw. The Polish PZL P.11a fighters were outdated, but have succeeded to shoot down more than 170 German aircraft. The largest part of the Polish Air Force was destroyed in the campaign and the rest of the aircraft were moved to Romania. Subsequently, the Romanians used all the remaining aircraft for personal use. A large number of Polish pilots and crews managed to escape to France. After the fall of Poland, the Polish Air Force began to regroup in France. The only unit which was completed before the German attack on France was the GC 1/145 squadron which was equipped with Caudron C.714. The Polish pilots were also deployed at various French units. In France they were at the time of the invasion not able to withstand the German forces. After the surrender of France in 1940, the Polish units were formed in the United Kingdom as part of the Royal Air Force. Here the Polish Air Force (PAF) was established. The first Polish squadrons were the no 300 and no 301 Bomber Squadrons and the no 302 and no 303 Fighter Squadrons.

The units which were equipped with combat aircraft received for their tasks the Hawker Hurricane. The Polish units were immediately deployed in the third phase of the Battle of Britain in August 1940. The Poles used their widely developed combat experiences very well and had good results in dogfights. The Polish pilots were as fearless and sometimes they were considered as reckless. In spite of this behavior the Polish successes were large compared to the British pilots who were still completely inexperienced. The Polish no 303 Squadron was the most efficient RAF squadron at that time. The fame and victories which were achieved by pilots from the no 303 Squadron are today still praised in Poland. In the following years, more Polish squadrons were established. These Polish squadrons were; the no 304 Bomber Squadron, the no 305 Bomber Squadron, the no 306 Fighter Squadron, the no 307 Night Fighter Squadron, the no 308 Fighter Squadron, the no 309 Reconnaissance Squadron, the no 315, 316 & 317 Fighter Squadron, the no 318 Fighter Reconnaissance Squadron and the no 663 Air Observation Squadron. Fighter units flew initially with the Hurricane, the Supermarine Spitfire and ultimately with the P-51 Mustang. The no 307 Night Fighter Squadron used aircraft of the type Boulton Paul Defiant, Bristol Beaufighter and de Havilland Mosquito. The bomber squadrons were equipped with the Fairey Battle, the Vickers Wellington, the Avro Lancaster, the Handley Page Halifax, the Consolidated B-24 Liberator and B-25 Mitchell. After the Second World War the international situation changed quickly and Polish units were disbanded. Just a few of the pilots and crews returned eventually to Poland.

The Polish Lotnictwo Ludowego Wojska Polskiego (Polish People's Army Aviation) was founded in 1943 by Polish patriots who wanted to liberate their country from Nazi Germany. This army was launched in cooperation with the Soviet Union and soon this army also got its own air force. The formation of the 1st Independent Squadron began on July 7, 1943 at the airport in Grigoriewskoje in Russia. This unit would be the basis for the 1 Fighter Aviation Regiment. Eventually there were 11 regiments formed which each had a different task. These units were equipped with Russian-made aircraft. After the liberation of Poland this would be the only real air force of the poles. Halfway through 1949, the Polish Air Force had over 595 aircraft in operational service of the type Yak-9T/M, Yak-9P, Yak-9W, IL-2, IL-10, and Pe-2. The relations with the Soviet Union remained strong during this period and Poland would join the Warsaw Pact which was founded in response to the NATO in the west from 1955. Since 1951, the Polish Air Force was equipped with Yak-23 jet fighters and MiG-15 "Fagot" jet fighters. Later also the MiG-17 "Fresco" was purchased in 1961. Initially, these aircraft were built in Russia. However, the demand for these aircraft in Eastern Europe was enormous and these planes would be built under license in Poland as well. From 1952, the MiG-15 and later the MiG-17 were produced under license in Poland under the name Lim-1 and Lim-2 as an equivalent for the MiG-15 and the Lim-5 as equivalent for the MiG-17. These aircraft were manufactured in Poland by PZL-Mielec. In 1964 also a ground attack version of the MiG-17 was developed; the aircraft was produced under the name Lim-6.

In 1954, the existing components of the Polish Air Force were merged into the National Air and Air Defense Forces (Wojska Lotnicze i Obrony Przeciwlotniczej Obszaru Kraju (WLiOPL OK)). Later in 1964 the organization was divided again into two separate organizations, each with their own tasks. These two organizations were the Air Force (Wojska Lotnicze) and the Country Air Defense Force (Wojska Obrony Powietrznej Kraju). The main bombers in service with the Polish Air Force were from 1949 of the type Il-10 "Beast". The first jet bomber which entered operation was the Il-28 "Beagle" and since 1965 the Su-7B "Fitter-A". From 1974, these aircraft were supplemented by the Su-20 and Su-22 "Fitter". The fleet of combat aircraft was supplemented in 1959 with a small number of MiG-19 "Farmer" aircraft. The work horse of the Polish fighter fleet would be the MiG-21 “Fishbed” from 1963. There were hundreds of MiG-21s purchased in numerous variations for the Polish Air Force. In 1979 the fleet of MiG-21s was supplemented with the new MiG-23 "Flogger". The last fighter of Russian origin which entered operation at the Polish Air Force was in 1989 the MiG-29 "Fulcrum". The PZL-104 Wilga was developed in Poland in 1955 to train the Polish pilots. This aircraft was used alongside the An-2 to train pilots for transport aircraft. The PZL TS-11 Iskra was developed in the early 60s; this small aircraft would be the primary jet trainer of the Polish Air Force. Besides the aircraft also helicopters would be used which were mostly of Russian origin. These helicopters were the Mi-1 "Hare", Mi-4 "Hound", Mi-8/17 "Hip" and Mi-24 "Hind".

After the fall of the Soviet Union in 1989 and the disarmament in Europe, the Polish Air Force was reduced drastically. The Polish Air Force had at that time a lot of aircraft. Poland was located in the time of the Communism and the Soviet influence very strategically between the Iron Curtain and the Soviet Union. There were in addition to the Polish units also many Russian units stationed in Poland. The 4th Air Army (4 Vozdushnaya Armiya) was withdrawn after the Cold War from Poland to Russia. This unit was part of the Soviet Northern army’s and was mainly stationed in Poland. The Polish Air Force was at that time a strong air force and had in 1990 types such as the MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-29, Su-20 and Su-22 in use. This group of aircraft would remain in use within the Polish Air Force after the fall of the Soviet Union. The Lim-6 fighter-bombers were already retired from service in the early 90s. After this period of political change, a new era would start for the Polish Air Force. The country would be increasingly focused on the West at the beginning of the 90s. The next type which would be phased out was the MiG-23 "Flogger" in 1999. A total of 36 MiG-23MF single-seaters and six MiG-23UB trainers were still in operational service. These aircraft were stationed at the airbase Slupsk in northern Poland. After the retirement of the MiG-23, eventually also the MiG-21 "Fishbed" was phased out in 2003. The MiG-21 was at that time stationed at Poznan and Łask in the middle of the country. Poland had after this period only the MiG-29 "Fulcrum" and the Su-22 "Fitter" in use until it would eventually gain access to western aircraft.

From 1999, much would change in Poland in the military structure. The country was admitted to the NATO from 1999 and since then Poland has become a Western country regarding its military structure. The brigade and regimental structure of the Soviet Union was converted into a wing and squadron structure which is used in the West. Poland took several steps towards a full NATO structure and organization and would adjust accordingly. The formal successor of the MiG-21 was after several years of evaluating the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon. The F-16 had won a competition with the new Saab JAS-39 Gripen and the existing Dassault Mirage 2000. In the future, Poland will possibly enter the JSF program. It is not clear whether the country will make this step because the program does not run smoothly. The JSF is going to replace the outdated Su-22 in the role of fighter-bomber. In the recent years Poland has its transport fleet drastically modernized. The outdated An-26 "Curl" transport aircraft were replaced by the American Lockheed C-130 Hercules and the Spanish CASA C-295. Also the helicopter fleet will be changed in the next few years. Poland has already decided to buy the French EC725 Caracal as a replacement for the aging Mi-8 “Hip” transport helicopters. In addition to these actions which are already started, Poland is also considering the purchase of the Boeing AH-64D Apache attack helicopter as a replacement for the Russian Mi-24 "Hind". The decisions for the replacement of the "Hind" have not yet been made. Besides the Apache, other options are still open for this replacement.

The 1 Tactical Air Wing

The first tactical wing of the Polish Air Force is in Polish referred to as the 1 Skrzydło Lotnictwa Taktycznego (1.SLT). The 1.SLT is a small self-contained air force within the Polish Air Force and is able to perform all military tasks with its fighters. The headquarters of the 1.SLT is stationed on the airbase of Świdwin. The 1.SLT is equipped with the MiG-29 "Fulcrum" which is deployed in the air defense role and Su-22 "Fitter" which is deployed in the offensive role. The 1.SLT is a direct descendant of the third Brandenburg Fighter Division from the early days of the Cold War. Later this Fighter Division would be renumbered to the 3rd Fighter Bomber Division. Since 1998 the division has been renumbered to the NATO squadron wing system and received the designation 1.SLT. The main tasks of the 1.SLT are defending the Polish airspace against unwanted intruders, attacking enemy ground targets and institutions, providing reconnaissance information and support of ground forces. The 1.SLT consists of four airfields, namely; Miroslawiec, Świdwin, Malbork and Mińsk Mazowiecki. Miroslawiec air base is the first airbase of the 1.SLT and is referred to as 12 Baza Lotnictwa Taktycznego (12.BLT) Miroslawiec. This airbase has currently no operational units and therefore Miroslawiec is a sleeping air base. However, the site is an alternative airbase for operational units. Until the end of 2010 the 8 Eskadra Lotnictwa Taktycznego (8.elt) was based at Miroslawiec; the unit was moved to Świdwin.

The second airbase of the 1.SLT is 21 Baza Lotnictwa Taktycznego (21.BLT) Świdwin. This air base is the only operational Su-22 'Fitter' air base in Poland. Świdwin is located in the northwest of the country near the coastline. The 21.BLT is built up of two units, namely the 8 Eskadra Lotnictwa Taktycznego (8.elt) and the 40 Eskadra Lotnictwa Taktycznego (40.elt). Both units fly the Su-22M4 and Su-22UM-3K "Fitter". The Su-22 is a Russian aircraft of the third generation and is used exclusively in the ground attack role. The 8.elt is derived from the former 8th Fighter Bomber Regiment at the time of the Cold War. In the past, the unit flew with the Lim-2 and later, the Su-22. This unit has always been based at Miroslawiec in the past. On December 31, 2010, this airbase which is not far away from Świdwin was officially disbanded as an operational airbase. The 8.elt moved from that moment to Świdwin where it continued the operational service with the Su-22. The second unit at Świdwin is the 40.elt and is a derived unit of the 40th Fighter Bomber Regiment. The 40.elt was in its present form established on August 23, 1999. This unit was in its existence until now always stationed at Świdwin. The Su-22 is an export variant of the Russian Su-17 "Fitter". The Poles consider the Su-22 as an aircraft which is very easy to maintain because it is a very robust aircraft. In total, the Poles had used over 108 Su-22s. There are currently 32 Fitters in operational service at Świdwin. Poland is the only country in Europe which still flies the Su-22 "Fitter". It is not yet clear which type will replace the Fitter. Also, it is not yet clear when the fitters will be retired from service.

Malbork is located in the north of Poland near the city of Gdansk and is designated as 22 Baza Lotnictwa Taktycznego (22.BLT) Malbork. This air base is the home base of the 41 Eskadra Lotnictwa Taktycznego (41.elt). This unit flies the MiG-29 "Fulcrum". The 41.elt is flying with three variants of the Fulcrum, namely the MiG-29A, the MiG-29G and MiG-29GT. The MiG-29A aircraft were originally delivered in Poland. Initially Mińsk Mazowiecki was the only MiG-29 airbase in Poland. However, due to the retirement of the MiG-23 "Flogger" in 1999 and the MiG-21 "Fishbed" in 2003, it was decided to purchase a series of ex-German MiG-29s which were phased out in Germany. A total of 18 MiG-29G and four MiG-29GTs were delivered to Poland. The MiG-29G (T) is a variant of the Fulcrum which was modernized in Germany to the NATO standard. This update was performed by the MiG Moscow Aviation Production Association (MiG MKB) and DaimlerChrysler Aerospace from Germany in 1993. In total, 14 of these MiGs are based at Malbork at the 41.elt in Poland since 2004. Since the commissioning of these aircraft, Poland is the largest Fulcrum user within NATO. The MiG-29s replaced the outdated MiG-21 "Fishbed" in Malbork. The MiG-29 is mainly deployed in Poland in the air defense role. The 41.elt is a descendant of the no 306 Squadron which was formed during the Second World War by the Poles which flew at the British RAF. The MiG-29s from Malbork all have the badge of the 41.elt and the former 41 Fighter Regiment on the cockpit section of the aircraft.

The fourth and last airbase of the 1.SLT is 23 Baza Lotnictwa Taktycznego (23.BLT) Mińsk Mazowiecki. This air base is located in the east of Poland at a distance of approximately 10km east of the capital, Warsaw. Mińsk is one of two MiG-29 bases of the Polish Air Force and is home to the 1 Eskadra Lotnictwa Taktycznego (1.elt). The 1.elt is a direct descendant of the famous no 303 Squadron of the Polish Air Force in the RAF during the Second World War. This famous unit was named after the Polish and American hero General Tadeusz Kosciuszko. The badge of the 1.elt is largely visible at the MiG-29 on the back of the aircraft. The MiG-29 variants which are used by this unit are the single-seater MiG-29A and MiG-29UB two-seater. The fleet MiG-29s of the 1.elt consists of aircraft which are derived from two different sources. Some of the Fulcrums are from the originally delivered aircraft for the Polish Air Force. These are a total of 12 aircraft of which nine of the MiG-29A variant and three of the MiG-29UB variant. These aircraft were supplied by the Soviet Union to Poland between 1989 and 1990 and were stationed at Mińsk Mazowiecki in the 1 Fighter Regiment. In the period between 1995 and 1996 a total of ten MiG-29s were taken over of the Czech Air Force of which there were nine of the MiG-29A variant and only one of the MiG-29UB variant. These aircraft were all assigned to the unit in Mińsk. The aircraft at Minsk are al updated to the MiG-29AM and MIG 29UBM standard. As of January 1, 2001 the 1st Fighter Regiment is referred to as the 1.elt in the Polish organization structure.

The 2 Tactical Air Wing

The second tactical wing of the Polish Air Force is in Polish referred to as the 2 Skrzydło Lotnictwa Taktycznego (2.SLT). Like the 1.SLT is also the 2.SLT a fully self-contained mini air force. Also this wing is able to determine both the offensive role as the air defense role. The 2.SLT is operational with the American Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon. The F-16 is a multirole aircraft which can be flown by the units in different configurations for different tasks. The headquarters of the 2.SLT is stationed at 31 Baza Lotnictwa Taktycznego (31.BLT) Poznań-Krzesiny. The 2.SLT was founded by the Polish Ministry of Defense on October 24, 1997. This wing was formed during one of the Polish reforms to the new NATO squadron wing structure which is nowadays used in Poland. The tasks of the 2.SLT are all round tasks and mainly consist of the air defense role and the ground attack role for destroying targets on land and at sea. Some other tasks which are also performed by the units of the 2.SLT include conducting aerial surveys, participation in peacekeeping operations, providing support to troops on the ground and support the activities of the army and the navy. The F-16s of the 2.SLT often participate in international exercises in NATO context. The F-16 is the most modern aircraft in Poland and is therefore most often sent to crisis areas. The F-16 plays a key role during these detachments. The badge of the 2.SLT is recognizable by a blue falcon which is attacking in a blue circle.

The most modern combat aircraft in use in Poland is currently the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon. The decision to purchase the F-16 was made by the Poles in 2002. The F-16 would receive in Poland the role of a multirole fighter which will replace the outdated MiG-21 fleet in Poland. In addition to the F-16, there are also other aircraft types examined before the decision for the F-16 was made. One of the competitors included the French Mirage 2000 and the Swedish Saab JAS-39 Gripen. Poland signed a contract in 2002 for the delivery of 48 combat aircraft. This series would consist of 36 aircraft of the type F-16C-52CF and twelve aircraft of the type of F-16D-52CF. The Polish F-16s wear a different color scheme compared to the standard colors which are used for the F-16. The Polish F-16 received a light gray and dark gray camouflage pattern which is also used on the Polish MiG-29s. In total There would be three squadron equipped with the F-16, namely the 3.elt, the 6.elt and 10.elt. All these units would each receive 16 aircraft of which twelve times F-16C and four times F-16D. The Polish F-16 aircraft are on the latest standard and are equipped with the Pratt and Whitney F-100-229 turbofan engine. The F-16 can also be equipped with electronic systems such as the APG-68 (V) 9 (Terrain Mapping Radar System) and the ALQ-211 (V) 4 (Electronic Warfare Suite). The Polish F-16 can also be equipped with the latest American guided bombs like JDAM/JSOW and the AIM-120C-5 AMRAAM and AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missile. These systems make the F-16 a lethal weapon for the Polish Air Force.

The first airbase which is part of the 2.SLT is 31 Baza Lotnictwa Taktycznego (31.BLT) Poznań-Krzesiny. This air base is located in the west of Poland. Poznań is the largest F-16 base in Poland and is home to two F-16 squadrons. These two squadrons are the 3 Eskadra Lotnictwa Taktycznego (3.elt) and 6 Eskadra Lotnictwa Taktycznego (6.elt). The airbase was in its current form designated since the reorganization of April 1, 2008. Poznan was in Poland the first airbase which was fully equipped as a NATO base. Both squadrons which are stationed at Poznan fly both the F-16C-52CF and F-16D-52CF Fighting Falcon. The 3.elt is a unit of the former 3rd Fighter Regiment and has its origins as the GC 1/145 Escadrille of the French Air Force during the Second World War. As of January 1, 2001, the unit was designated as the 3.elt. The squadron flew in the past with the Russian MiG-21MF and MiG-21UM. Since 2002, the MiG-21MFs were exchanged for the more modern MiG-21bis. Eventually, the unit was in 2006 the first unit in the Polish Air Force which received the F-16. The second unit at Poznań is the 6.elt. This squadron is a descendant of the seventh Pulku Lotnictwa Bombowo-Rozpoznawczego (7 Bomber Reconnaissance Aviation Regiment) and the 6 Pulku i Lotnictwa Myśliwsko-Bombowego Sformowana Została (6th Fighter Bomber Regiment). The squadron took over the traditions of the 6th Regiment when it was founded in its current form on January 1, 2001. The unit flew like the 3.elt with the MiG-21MF "Fishbed". The 6.elt is since 2007 the second unit in Poland which was going to fly with the F-16C-52CF and F-16D-52CF Fighting Falcon.

The second airbase which is part of the 2.SLT is 32 Baza Lotnictwa Taktycznego (32.BLT) Łask. This air base is located in the middle of Poland, southeast of the city of Łódź. At this air base is one F-16 squadron stationed at this moment, namely the 10 Eskadra Lotnictwa Taktycznego (10.elt). This squadron was founded in the Polish current organizational structure from January 1, 2001. The squadron was from March 31, 2001 for the first time fully operational in its present form. The history of the 32.BLT begins with that of the creation of the 10th Fighter Regiment, the 2nd Fighter Regiment and the 31st Combat Training Regiment in the period of the Soviet Union. These regiments would form the 10.elt after the necessary reforms. The 10.elt became operational in the new structure in 2001; the squadron flew the Russian MiG-21 "Fishbed". The MiG-21 was currently the most deployed aircraft for the Polish air defense. The MiG-21s which were then assigned to the unit were of the type MiG-MF and MiG-21UM. The unit had some training aircraft of the type TS-11 Iskra in use as well. The Fishbed’s of the 10.elt were eventually phased out at the Polish Air Force in 2003. Łask was an inactive airbase after the retirement of the MiG-21. The airbase was converted in the period up to 2008 into a modern NATO airbase. Just about everything was renovated to Western standards. From autumn 2008, the first F-16s were stationed in Łask. The 10.elt had with the arrival of the F-16C-52CF and F-16D-52CF the most modern fighter aircraft of the Polish Air Force in use.

The 3 Tactical Airlift Wing

The command which is responsible in the Polish Air Force for all logistics services by air is the 3 Skrzydło Lotnictwa Transportowego (3.SLTr) (3 Airlift Wing). The command headquarters of this branch of the Polish Air Force is based on Powidz in central Poland. The main task of the 3.SLTr is to provide air transport capacity for the other units of the Polish Air Force. To perform this task, the Polish Air Force has a fleet of strategic and tactical transport aircraft in its orbat. The American C-130 Hercules is used for strategic transport over long distances and the Spanish CASA C-295M is used for tactical transport over medium distances. Furthermore the 3.SLTr has the PZL M28 in use which is used for tactical transport over short distances. The second important task of a few units within the 3.SLTr is the Search and Rescue (SAR) mission. The units which have the transport task in Poland are based on the 1 Baza Lotnictwa Transportowego (1.BLTr) at Warsaw's international airport, the 8 Baza Lotnictwa Transportowego (8.BLTr) in Krakow and the 33 Baza Lotnictwa Transportowego (33.BLTr) in Powidz. There are in total three SAR units in Poland, namely; the 1 Grupa Poszukiwawczo-Ratownicza (1.GPR) in Świdwin, the 2 Grupa Poszukiwawczo-Ratownicza (2.GPR) in Mińsk Mazowiecki and the 3 Grupa Poszukiwawczo-Ratownicza (3.GPR) in Krakow. The 3.SLTr was founded on April 1, 2007 as the 3 Brygada Lotnictwa Transportowego (3rd Transport Aviation Brigade). As of August 26, 2008, it was reorganized by the brigade command of the commander of the Polish Air Force and the unit was designated as the 3.SLTr.

The first major air base which is part of the 3.SLTr is the 8 Baza Lotnictwa Transportowego (8.BLTr) (8 Air Transport Base). The 8.BLTr which is stationed at Krakow is composed of three units, namely the 12 Eskadra Lotnicza (12.el) (Air Squadron), the 13.el and the 3.GPR. The first unit of the 8.BLTr is 12.el and is equipped with the PZL M28 B/PT. This variant of the M28 is the light transport version of the M28. The Polish Air Force is using the M28 B/PT version for transport duties, as an air ambulance (Medevac), for the Special Forces and for personnel transport. In the configuration of a cargo aircraft is the M28 able to carry loads of up to 1750kg with a limited maximum of 2000kg. In the cargo bay is also a rack available where weapons for aircraft such as missiles can be carried. During Medevac missions the M28 is able to carry up to six stretchers or eight seated injuries and two to three doctors. Also there is space for basic medical equipment in the aircraft which is needed to care the wounded during the transport. To fly missions with the Special Forces and other military personnel, the M28 is able to transport 17 fully armed soldiers. During this type of deployment, the troops often are dropped with parachutes over the area in which they will operate. The passenger version of the M28 is the M28 B/P and has 17 to 19 seats for the short-distance transport. For the transportation of VIPs, the M28B TD can also be fitted with eight luxurious armchairs. The 12.el accommodates a total of 13 M28 B/PT aircraft. The unit is flying these aircraft from 2008 as a replacement for the outdated An-2 "Colt".

The second unit of the 8.BLTr which is also stationed at Krakow is the 13 Eskadra Lotnicza (13.el) (Air Squadron). This unit has the tactical transport task and currently flies with the CASA C-295M. The C-295M is a medium range transport aircraft which is able to make tactical landings on unpaved terrain. The 13.el was formally established on October 23, 2000 as the 13 Pulk Lotnictwa Transportowego (13th Air Transport Squadron). The history of this transport squadron goes back to 1918 when the unit was established as the 5th Squadron at Krakow. During the Cold War the 13.el was designated as the 13 Pulku Lotnictwa Transportowego (13th Air Transport Regiment). The unit flew in the period from 1967 to 2000 with the An-2 "Colt" which was used as a light transport aircraft. The An-2 was replaced within the 13.el from 2000 by the Spanish CASA C-295M. The first C-295Ms were delivered to the Polish Air Force from 2003. The Polish Air Force ordered a total of 17 aircraft of this type. One aircraft was lost during a plane crash in Miroslawiec on January 23, 2008. The Poles are until now one of the largest C-295M users in Europe and all the Polish aircraft are assigned to the 13.el. The CASA C-295M is in Poland mainly used for short distance flights in which small loads need to be transported. The aircraft are also deployed to move troops of the army to remote areas. The C-295M is a modern aircraft which has the most modern systems on board which are used in the NATO. The Polish CASAs have a light and dark gray camouflage scheme. The C-295M is currently the workhorse of the Polish transport fleet; the aircraft flies the majority of the transport flights.

The second major airbase where units of the 3.SLTr are based is the 33 Baza Lotnictwa Transportowego (33.BLTr) (33 Air Transport Base) Powidz. Powidz is located in the district Słupeckim approximately 35 km southeast of the city of Gniezno and 35 km northwest of Konin. The transport unit which is stationed on Powidz is the 14 Eskadra Lotnicza (14.el) (Air Squadron). This unit is nowadays equipped with the Lockheed Martin C-130E Hercules. The 14.el received a total of five former USAF C-130E Hercules transport aircraft; all these aircraft were drastically modernized. These transport aircraft were all delivered to the Polish Air Force between 2009 and 2012. Eventually, another three C-130E aircraft were leased as a temporary solution between 2009 and 2012. These three planes eventually returned back to the Americans. Two of these aircraft were by the Americans donated to Poland for spare parts. The third plane was flown back to the United States. The Poles use the Hercules aircraft as a strategic transport aircraft; the Hercules is the heaviest transport aircraft of the Polish Air Force. The C-130E Hercules is the third production model of the Hercules family which was introduced. The Hercules of the type C-130E was used for the first time by the USAF at the beginning of the 60s. The Hercules is able to carry heavy loads and is able to deliver it on unpaved roads; the aircraft need only a short runway to take off again. The Hercules has replaced the An-26 in Poland in the role of heavy transport aircraft and was for the Poles an aircraft which doubled their transport capacities.

In addition to the transport aircraft which fly at the 3.SLTr also many helicopters as used by this unit. The fleet of VIP helicopters is not officially part of the 3.SLTr. The VIP unit is very closely linked to the operations of the 3.SLTr and therefore it reports to the command of the 3.SLTr. The VIP transport fleet is referred in Polish to as the 1 Baza Lotnictwa Transportowego (1.BLTr) (1 Air Transport Base). The 1.BLTr was founded in August 2011 after a reform at the international airport of Warsaw Okecie. This unit was already Founded in the past as the third Eskadry Wywiadowczej (3 Intelligence Squadron) in 1918. Today it is part of the Polish Dowództwo SIL Powietrznych RP (Polish Air Force Command) at the 1.BLTr. Today the unit flies only with helicopters. After the crash of the Tu-154 with the Polish President aboard it was decided to phase out all these aircraft. The second Tu-154 was put aside immediately and the four Yak-40s were eventually sold. The transport of important persons of the government was outsourced from that moment to the Polish airline LOT. The 1.BLTr flies with five Mi-8 "Hip" helicopters and ten W-3 Sokol helicopters. The helicopters of this unit can be recognized by their white color scheme with red stripes over the entire length of the helicopter. The Hips which are in use at the 1.BLTr are of the type Mi-8P, Mi-8S and Mi-8T. The Sokols flying at the unit are all of the type W-3P and W-3WA. The 1.BLTr is responsible for transporting diplomates from the Polish government. The helicopters are primarily used to transport these important dignitaries within the borders of Poland.

The Search and Rescue (SAR) groups are stationed at several airfields in Poland. In total there are three SAR groups which are scattered throughout Poland. These SAR groups are all reporting to the command of the 3.SLT. The SAR groups which are based in Poland are the 1 Grupa Poszukiwawczo-Ratownicza (1.GPR) (Search and Rescue Group) in Swidwin, the 2 Grupa Poszukiwawczo-Ratownicza (2.GPR) in Minsk Mazowiecki and the 3 Grupa Poszukiwawczo-Ratownicza (3.GPR) in Krakow. These units are all equipped with a number of helicopters which are configured as SAR helicopters. The 1.GPR on Swidwin is equipped with two Mi-2RL "Hoplite" and four W-3RL Falcon rescue helicopters. The W-3RL is the land based rescue variant of the Sokol. The 2.GPR in Minsk Mazowiecki is also equipped with two Mi-2RL "Hoplite" and four W-3RL Falcon rescue helicopters. The 3.GPR in Krakow is equipped with a single Mi-2RL "Hoplite" and four Mi-8RL "Hip" rescue helicopters. These SAR groups were all founded at the end of 2008 and early 2009 and are therefore still very young units. The tasks of the rescue groups are transporting patients to hospitals and rescue people in distress in the mountainous areas. There are many areas in Poland which are quite remote because the country is very large. These helicopters are used to reach these areas. The helicopters of these groups can be used to complement civil services if serious traffic accidents occurred. The SAR helicopters are on these three airfields 24 hours a day ready to go.

The youngest units of the Polish Air Force are the Polish Special Forces which are designated as Wojska Specjalne (WS) (Special Forces). The Specials Forces were established by the Polish government as the fourth armed forces of the Polish armed forces from May 24, 2007. This part of the Polish defense has a component which has some helicopters and aircraft. The helicopters of the Special Forces flying branch are based on Powidz. This unit is referred to as the 7 Eskadra Działań Specjalnych (7.eds) (7th Special Operations Squadron). The 7.eds is part of the Polish Air Force which is specialized in providing transport and fire support to the Special Forces. Although the 7.eds it is not part of the 3.SLT, it does have a close cooperation with this unit. Regularly aircraft or helicopters of the 3.SLTr are used for the Special Forces. For all the specific tasks the 7.eds has a number of helicopters with special configurations. The Polish Zadaniowy Lotniczy Zespół Bojowy (ZLZB) (Air Task Team Battle) of the Special Operations was operational at the end of 2013. The troops of this part of the Task Force are under the command of the Polish Army. After their final qualification in 2013, the Air Force Special Operations team was fully deployed in an operational scenario. The Polish Special Forces have made some important broadcasts to several countries around the world in their short existence. Many operations have already been carried out in countries such as Chad, Iraq and Afghanistan. The unit will grow in the future, because in their short existence it has already shown that having such a Special Operations organ is extremely effective.

The 7.eds has for the execution of its tasks various types of helicopters and airplanes in use. The unit uses of each type of helicopters only a small number, because the unit is very small. The only aircraft which are in use at the 7.eds are two M28B-TDII light transport aircraft. The TDII variant of the M28 is suitable for night operations. The aircraft is equipped with night vision equipment to fly these kinds of missions. Besides the M28 the unit has also five Mi-17 "Hip" helicopters and a few Mi-8MT "Hip" helicopters in use. These helicopters are larger and have the capacity to transport several heavily armed commandos and their equipment. The Mi-17 has just behind the cockpit a big door which makes the helicopter ideal for dropping down soldiers with the fast rope technique. The Mi-17 is also able to carry heavy sling loads under the fuselage of the helicopter such as amphibious vehicles which are commonly used by the Special Forces. The Mi-17 can in the doors be equipped with M134G mini guns which have a large firepower for short intense attacks. The 7.eds has also three W-3RL and W-3WA Sokol helicopters in use. The advantage of this helicopter is that they are small and therefore very maneuverable. These helicopters can easily reach difficult places where large helicopters such as the Mi-17 cannot land due to their large size. Finally, the 7.eds has one Mi-24V "Hind" in use. This helicopter has a large firepower and can also transport small groups of soldiers. The Hind is therefore a flexible helicopter for such kinds of actions.

The 4 Flying Training Wing

The pilot training program of the Polish Air Force is the responsibility of the 4 Skrzydło Lotnictwa Szkolnego im. gene. Bryg. pill. Witolda Urbanowicza (4.SLSz) (4 Wing Aviation School). The flight school was established in its current form on October 14, 2008 at the airbase of Deblin. The flight school is composed of a number of schools and a number of airfields, namely; the 4 Dowództwo Skrzydła Lotnictwa Szkolnego (headquarters of the 4th School) in Deblin, the 41 Baza Lotnictwa Szkolnego (41.BLSz) (41 Aviation School Airbase) in Deblin, the 42 Baza Lotnictwa Szkolnego (42.BLSz) (42 Aviation School Airbase) in Radom, the Wojskowy Ośrodek Szkoleniowo (Military Training Center) in Zakopane and the Ośrodek Szkolenia Wysokościowo - Ratowniczego i Spadochronowego (Large Height Altitude and Training Centre - Rescue and Parachute) in Poznan. The first type which is used in the flight school of the 4.SLSz at Radom is the PZL M28. This aircraft is used for the training of pilots for transport aircraft. The variants of the M28 used for training are the M28B-TD, M28B and M28B-TDIII and TDIV. The M28 is an ideal aircraft for the training of transport pilots because the aircraft is a small twin-engine and powerful aircraft. The pilots who will fly on the transport aircraft in the Polish Air Force will first be trained on the Orlik before they begin their training on the M28. After their training at the 4.SLSz, the pilots go to one of the operational transport units they will receive the continuation of their training. In total, there are eight 4.SLSz M28 aircraft used for the training task within the Polish Air Force.

The second type which is used at the flight school of the 4.SLSz at Radom is the Polish PZL 130 Orlik. The Orlik is in Poland an aircraft which is used for the initial pilot training. All pilots who are selected to fly on a fixed wing aircraft will start their careers on the Orlik. The PZL 130 Orlik is a trainer aircraft which is powered by a propeller and is designed for initial and advanced training of military pilots. The Polish Air Force received a total of 50 Orliks. Over the years, there were several variants of the Orlik commissioned by the Polish Air Force. The first variant of the Orlik which entered operation in 1985 was the PZL 130T Orlik. After a long test period with the necessary setbacks, eventually the PZL 130TM became the first operational variant which was commissioned by the Polish Air Force in 1991. By the end of 1998 all Orliks which were delivered were ​​converted to the PZL 130TB standard. Eventually all aircraft have been updated to the PZL 130TC-I standard in 2004. Later, a number of updates were executed and all the aircraft were updated to the TC-II standard. After these series of updates were several more aircraft ordered. All these aircraft would be delivered at the PZL 130TC-III standard. Besides the training of pilots, the Orlik is also a familiar face at many air shows in Europe. The famous Zespół Akrobacyjny Orlik (Aerobatics Team Orlik) consists solely of instructors and is flying with a formation of seven aircraft. The team was formed in 1998 and since then it has already taken many appearances at airshows for its account. The Orlik will remain one of the main training aircraft in Poland in the coming years.

The PZL TS-11 Iskra is a jet trainer produced by WSK "PZL Mielec" by a team led by Tadeusz Soltyka (hence the designation TS). The Iskra is the first Polish design which was driven by a jet turbine engine. The Iskras are assigned to the 4.SLSz and are based at the 41 Baza Lotnictwa Szkolnego (41.BLSz) (41 Aviation School Airbase) in Deblin. The first unarmed prototype of Iskra flew on February 5, 1960. The aircraft is at this moment therefore an outdated aircraft. However, there were a lot of variants of the Iskra been developed through the years. Most Iskras which are now used by the Polish Air Force are the type TS-11 Iskra bis DF. The Iskra can be armed with two NS-23 (115P) guns with a caliber of 23 mm. The TS-11 is able to carry a maximum load of 4 x 100 kg bombs or containers with machine guns. Finally, also entrained rocket pods of the type Mars-4 can be mounted under the Iskra. Operational Iskras are recognizable by their shiny gray color scheme. The most famous demonstration team in Poland is the Biało-Czerwone Iskry (White-and-Red Sparks) Aerobatics Demo Team. This demonstration team of the Polish Air Force was established in 1969 within the 60 Training Wing at Radom airbase and was called Rombik. The team flew after the foundation with four TS-11 Iskras. The team grew to a total of nine aircraft between 1993 and 1998 and was assigned to the 1 Air Training Centre in Deblin. Today, the team flies with seven TS-11 Iskras. The Iskras of Team Iskry can be identified by the red and white color scheme. As expected, in the future the Iskra will be replaced by Italian M346 in the role as a jet trainer.

For the initial training of the Polish helicopter pilots the air force has the Polish PZL SW-4 Puszczyk (Owl). Also, the initial helicopter pilot training is part of the 4.SLSz. This training is stationed at the 41 Baza Lotnictwa Szkolnego (41.BLSz) (41 Aviation School Airbase) in Deblin. The PZL SW-4 was built at the end of the 20th century by PZL Swidnik as the successor of the aging Mil Mi-2 "Hoplite". The SW-4 is a light multipurpose helicopter which is powered by a 250-C20R/2 engine from Rolls-Royce with an output of 457 hp. The production of the SW-4 takes place in Swidnik in Poland since 2004. The only military user of the SW-4 is the Polish Air Force. The Polish Air Force is using 24 SW-4 helicopters to train military helicopter pilots. In addition to the SW-4 training helicopter which is typically used also the Mil Mi-2 "Hoplite" is still in use at Deblin. The Mi-2 is after all these years still a perfect platform to train pilots because it is an extremely stable helicopter which is easy to fly. The Mi-2 is kept in use by this training unit because the pilots are on this type efficiently prepared for the heavy helicopters which are often from Russian origin. The training of helicopter pilots at Deblin is done by a joint venture of the air force, army and navy of Poland. The training itself is hosted by the Polish Air Force. After their training at the 4.SLSz, the pilots will be further trained at the operational units in the respective armed forces where they will eventually fly. The basics of flying a helicopter are for each pilot due to this training at Deblin the same.

Lotnictwa Wojsk Ladowych (Polish Army Aviation)

In addition to the Polish Air Force, also the Polish Army has an airborne unit. The Polish Army Aviation battalions consist exclusively of helicopters and are fully integrated into the Polish Army. The unit is the 1 Brygada Lotnictwa Wojsk Ladowych (1st Army Aviation Brigade) which is operating in the offensive role. The 25 Brygada Kawalerii Powietrznej (25.BCPow) is the airmobile brigade of the Polish Army. The brigade is composed of two units which fly helicopters of the type Mil Mi-8/17 "Hip" and PZL W-3 Sokol. In addition, the 25 Cavalry Brigade also contains two cavalry battalions of the Polish Army in its organizational structure.

1 Air Brigade of the Polish Army Aviation

The history of the Polish Army Aviation goes back to the early 60s. In this period many helicopter units emerged throughout Europe on both the NATO side and the Soviet side. In this period, the design of the helicopter was for the first time mature and became operational on a large scale. The flying branch of the Polish Army is referred to as the Lotnictwo Wojsk Ladowych (Army Aviation). The Polish Army has two brigades which are using different types of helicopters. The helicopter units of the Polish Army are fully included in the regiment and brigade structure of the armed forces. The 1 Brygada Lotnictwa Wojsk Ladowych (1.BLWL) (1st Army Aviation Brigade) is one of the two brigades flying helicopters of the Polish Army, which is referred to as Wojska Ladowe (WL). The 1.BLWL was in its current organization founded on March 15, 2011. The 1.BLWL is composed of four regiments. These regiments are the 49th Air Base Pruszcz Gdanski, the 56th Air Base Inowroclaw, the aerial reconnaissance squadron at Miroslawiec and the central group for tactical field control. This last group has no flight equipment but is supportive for the flying units. The headquarters of the 1.BLWL is located at Inowroclaw. The 1.BLWL is an offensive helicopter brigade of the Polish Army. The units are therefore equipped with heavy assault helicopters such as the Mi-24 "Hind" attack helicopter and light helicopters such as the Mi-2 "Hoplite". The units of the 1.BLWL are also operating in the CSAR role on enemy territory.

The first airbase which is part of the 1.BLWL is 49 Baza Lotnicza (49.BLot) Pruszcz Gdanski. This airbase is located 15 kilometers south of the city of Gdansk in northern Poland. The 49.BLot was founded in its present form after a reorganization of the Polish Army on January 1, 2012. Following this reorganization the 49.BLot became part of the 1.BLWL. The 49.BLot existed in the past as the 49 Pulk Śmigłowców Bojowych (49.pśb) (49 Combat Helicopter Regiment) and was founded at the beginning of the Cold War in 1952. The tasks of the 49.BLot consist of tactical support of troops on the battlefield, protection of the command, execution of transport tasks, visual diagnostics to chemical-radiological areas, identification and correction of artillery fire, the protection of Special Forces, tactical landings and Combat Search And Rescue (CSAR). The units which are part of the 49.BLot, are; the 1 Eskadra Śmigłowców Szturmowych (1.ESSz) (1 Assault Helicopter Squadron), the 2 Eskadra Śmigłowców Szturmowych (2.ESSz), the 3 Eskadra CSAR and the 4 Eskadra Śmigłowców Wielozadaniowych (4.ESW) (4 Utility Helicopter Squadron). The 1.ESSz and 2.ESSz are both equipped with the Mil Mi-24D "Hind". These units are deployed in the offensive role. The 3 Eskadra CSAR is equipped with both the Mi-24D and the Mi-2RL and has the CSAR task in which the Mi-24D “Hind” is used as a gunship and the Mi-2 “Hoplite” as a rescue helicopter. The 4.ESW has different variants of the Mi-2RL "Hoplite" in use and is mainly used for transport and communication tasks. The 49.BLot is a unit which is fully deployable on itself for the offensive tasks carried out by the Polish Army on the battlefield.

The second airbase of the Polish Army, which is part of the 1.BLWL, is the 56 Baza Lotnicza (56.BLot) Inowroclaw. This army air base is located about 10 kilometers northwest of the town Inowroclaw in central Poland. The 56.BLot has its origin from the 56 Pulk Śmigłowców Bojowych (56 Combat Helicopter Regiment) and was in its present form founded after a reform as the 56.BLot on January 1, 2012. This unit has also been established at the beginning of the Cold War and has the same tasks as the 49.BLot. Also, the 56.BLot is composed of four units; however, these units fly with other variants of the Mi-2 "Hoplite" and Mi-24 "Hind" than the units of the 49.BLot. The units of 56.BLot, are; the first Eskadra Śmigłowców Szturmowych (1.ESSz) (1 Assault Helicopter Squadron), the 2.ESSz, the 3.ESSz and four Eskadra Śmigłowców (4.ES) (4 Helicopter Squadron) which is a transport unit. The 1.ESSz flies the Mi-24V "Hind". This variant of the Hind is compared with the Mi-24D a modernized variant which is able to carry multiple types of weapons. This variant of the Hind entered operation in the Polish Army at the beginning of the 80s. The 2.ESSz and 3.ESSz are both offensive units which are equipped with the Mi-2URP and Mi-2URP-G variant of the Hoplite. The Mi-2URP is referred to as the Salamandra (Salamander) and is the gunship and anti-tank variant of the Mi-2. The helicopter can be equipped with 23mm NS-23 cannons and an optional in the doors mounted 7.62 mm PK machine gun. The Mi-2URP-G, where the letter G stands for Gniewosz (smooth snake) can be equipped with 9M14M Malutka wire-guided anti-tank missiles or rocket pods and four Strzała-2 missiles.

The third unit of the Polish Army, which is under the command of the 1.BLWL is the Dywizjon Rozpoznania Powietrznego (DRP) (Air Reconnaissance Squadron) at Miroslawiec. Miroslawiec is located in the northwest of Poland and is a sleeping airbase. The unit was initially established under the command of the 49.BLot in Pruszcz Gdanski in the autumn of 2006. The DRP flies with the Aeronautics' Orbiter from Israel. The Orbiter is an unmanned reconnaissance aircraft and is only 1 meter long. This drone can be used for aerial reconnaissance. The squadron performs reconnaissance and gathers intelligence on the battlefield for other military units. The DRP has been deployed several times by the Polish Army to countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan and Chad. In addition to performing reconnaissance, the Orbiter is also able to operate with aircraft such as the Boeing Scan Eagle and Predator. The Orbiter is an unarmed platform and will be used solely for reconnaissance. In 2010, the DRP was moved to the air base of Miroslawiec where the unit currently still is stationed. Operating the drones on an operational helicopter base is difficult in relation to the dimensions of the drones. After the retirement of the Su-22 at Miroslawiec this location was therefore the best location to fly and train with these drones. In total, the DRP has 18 Orbiters in use. In 2013 decisions were made to purchase another 12 WB Electronics FlyEye drones. This drone is a Polish product and is slightly larger than the Orbiter.

25 Cavalry Brigade of the Polish Army Aviation

The second brigade in the Polish Army which is equipped with helicopters is the 25 Brygada Kawalerii Powietrznej (25th Air Cavalry Brigade) (25.BKPow). The brigade was formed on June 15, 1994 as the 25 Mazowiecka Cavalry Brigade of the Polish Army and honors the traditions of the Mazowsze Cavalry Brigade of the Second Polish Republic. The 25.BKPow is the airmobile brigade of the Polish Army. In this period were airmobile brigades founded everywhere in Europe, because these types of units had proven their value in American service during the First Gulf War. The unit was named after Prince Jozef Poniatowski and was placed under the command of the military district of Krakow. Ultimately, the division would consist of three cavalry regiments with an air airbase and several security units. The division was initially too small due to financial setbacks. The planned units could therefore not be created on the short term. The brigade was therefore transformed into the current 25.BKPow. The brigade reports to the commander of the Airborne Mechanized Corps (Wojska Zmechanizowane Aeromobilne). The headquarters of the 25.BKPow is located at the barracks in Tomaszowie Mazowieckim southeast of the city of Łódź. The units under the command of the 25.BKPow, are; The 25 Battalion Dowodzenia (25 Command Battalion) in Tomaszowie Mazowieckim, the 1 Battalion Kawalerii Powietrznej (1 Air Cavalry Battalion) in Leźnicy Wielkiej, the 7 Battalion Kawalerii Powietrznej (7 Air Cavalry Battalion) in Tomaszowie Mazowieckim, the 66 Dywizjon Lotniczy (66 Air Squadron) in Nowy Glinnik, the 37 Dywizjon Lotniczy (37 Air Squadron) in Leznica-Wielka and the 25 Battalion Logistyczny (25 Logistics Battalion) in Nowy Glinnik.

The 37 Baza Lotnicza (37.BLot) is Leznica-Wielka and is the first airfield where units of the 25.BKPow are stationed. Leznica-Wielka is located northwest of the city of Lodz in central Poland. This air base is the home base of the 37 Dywizjon Lotniczy (37th Air Squadron) 37.dlot of the 25.BKPow. This airbase has two units which are part of the 37.dlot, namely; the 1.Eskadra Śmigłowców (1.ES) (1st Helicopter Squadron) and the 2.ES. Both units fly different variants of the Mi-8 "Hip" and Mi-17 "Hip". The history of the 37.DLot began in 1971 when the 37 Pulku Śmigłowców Transportowych (37th Transport Helicopter Regiment) was formed. The unit was from that moment immediately equipped with the Mi-8 "Hip". From 1994, the unit became part of the current structure. The main tasks of the 37.Blot is the transport of troops and supplies to the battlefield, providing air support to ground troops and evacuating wounded ground troops. The main variant of the Mi-8 which is used by the 37.Blot is the Mi-8T. This variant is the transport version of the Hip and is used for troop and material transport. The unit flies the Mi-8P which is recognizable by its large square windows in the fuselage. Also this variant of the Hip is mainly used for transport duties. The armed version of the Mi-8 is the Mi-8MTV which is also used by the 37.BLot. These helicopters can be equipped with rocket pods which can be mounted on brackets along the fuselage. The 37.BLot has also the Mi-17 “Hip” in use for transport tasks and Special Forces operations.

The second airbase of the 25.BKPow the 66 Baza Lotnicza is part (66.BLot) in Nowy Glinnik which is located north of Tomaszów Mazowiecki. This airbase contains the 66 Dywizjon Lotniczy (66th Air Squadron) 66.dlot. This unit consists of three smaller units, which are all equipped with different variants of the W-3 Sokol. These units are the 1 Eskadra Śmigłowców (1.ES) (1 Helicopter Squadron), the 2.ES and the Eskadra Śmigłowców Rozpoznania Radioelektroniczwego (ESRR) (Helicopter Reconnaissance Squadron). The unit was established on August 1, 1999; the 66.BLot is therefore still a very young unit in Poland. The duties of the helicopters of the 66.BLot are providing close air support for ground troops, troop transport, securing landing zones for the air cavalry and evacuating wounded soldiers. The helicopters of the 66.BLot ensure that troops and supplies quickly are disposed from and to the battlefield. Especially in areas which are hard to reach with vehicles the helicopters play an important role within this unit. The 1.ES and 2.ES use the PZL W-3W and W-3WA Sokol for their tasks. The W-3W version of the Sokol is armed with a GSZ-23L cannon on the right side of the helicopter. This helicopter has four attachment points for weapons such as wire-guided missiles and rocket pods which are hanging on the trunk. The W-3WA Sokol is a variant of the W-3A Sokol which is updated to the W-3W standard and is therefore able to perform the same tasks. The ESRR is equipped with W-3A PPD-2 which is a flying command post and the W-3A SSR-10 Procjon and W- 3RR S-1RR Procjon which are reconnaissance variants of the Sokol.

Over the years, the 25.BKPow was developed during many tactical exercises to an optimal instrument for the Polish Army. The method developed for warfare with modern cavalry helicopters and their ability to deliver on-site fire support appears to be a successful formula. These aspects come together during tactical airmobile operations in conjunction with the soil of the ground forces of the 25.BKPow. Positive tests also resulted in collaboration between the air cavalry and other units of the Polish Army carried out in a variety of environments. The areas where forces are training are areas surrounding lakes and swamps, mountainous areas and urban areas. By actions of the airmobile brigade, helicopters and ground troops are deployed under a joint command to achieve this goal. In addition, these helicopters are an integral part of a combat group and not just in means of transport, but also in means of a combat group. In April 2015, the Polish Ministry of Defense has elected the Airbus Helicopters H225M Caracal as successor to the Mi-8 and Mi-17 helicopters within the 25.BKPow. This helicopter was chosen above the NH90 and the UH-60 Blackhawk. In total, the Polish Army will receive together with the Polish Navy 50 helicopters of which a significant part will fly at the 25.BKPow. Also, some of these helicopters will be used in the CSAR role within the 1.BLWL. The Caracal is originally a French design and is in France already widely deployed in the role of CSAR helicopter.

Brygada Lotnictwa Marynarki Wojennej (Polish Naval Aviation)

The Polish Navy is able to defend the Polish maritime areas. Defending and guarding the coastline is an important part of this organization of the Polish Armed Forces. Besides the ships, the Polish Navy has also a fleet of aircraft and helicopters. These aircraft are based on the airfields Gdynia, Siemerowice and Darlowo.

The Polish Naval Aviation Brigade

The Polish Navy is referred to as the Marynarka Wojenna (MW) and is one of the four forces of the Polish armed forces alongside the Army, Air Force and Special Forces. The Navy's task is to defend the interests of the state in the Polish maritime area. This relates to the maritime defense of the coast and participation in the civil protection of the coast in combination with other forms of armed forces within the framework of the strategic defense of Poland. The Polish Naval Aviation is referred to as the Brygada Lotnictwa Marynarki Wojennej (Naval Aviation Brigade, BLMW). The headquarters of the BLMW is located in Gdynia Babie Doly north of the city of Gdansk. The aviation branch of the Polish Navy was named after Karol Trzasko-Durski. He was one of the first successful naval pilots during the First World War and took victories over ships of the Austro-Hungarian Navy. The Polish BLMW was in its current form established on November 1, 1994. The organization consisted of regiments as many other units during the Cold War. Later the organization was transformed into the squadron structure. The tasks of the BLMW consist of detecting, identifying and destroying submarines, provide protection (patrols) and rescue (SAR) at the Baltic Sea. Also identifying marine areas and identifying the objectives of the ships and ecological monitoring of marine waters belong to the tasks of the BLMW. Polish BLMW has three active airfields in the north of the country, namely Gdynia Babie Doly, Siemerowice and Darłowo.

The first airbase of the Polish Navy is the 43 Baza Lotnictwa Morskiego (Naval Air Base, 43.BLotM) Gdynia Babie Doly. This air base is located north of the city of Gdansk in northern Poland. The 43.BLotM was in its present form after a reform in the Navy established on January 1, 2011. The 43.BLotM was built from the former 28 Pucka Eskadrę Lotnicza (28.PLM) of the Polish Navy. A number of helicopter types and a single type of aircraft of the Polish Navy are stationed at this airbase. The PZL M28B Bryza-1TD is stationed at Babie Doly and is used for light transport duties. The Navy has stationed at this airbase four of these light transport aircraft. Furthermore, there are on Babie Doly a few Mi-8MTV-1 "Hip" and one Mi-17 "Hip" is use which are both used for transport duties. For training flights there are two Mi-2 "Hoplite" helicopters stationed at Babie Doly within the base flight. For the anti-submarine warfare, the Polish Navy has in Babie Doly four Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite helicopters in use. In 1999, the Polish-American agreement was signed for the acquisition of two US Navy frigates of the Oliver Hazard Perry class. These vessels had a shorter landing deck compared to other ships and therefore it was also decided in the same deal to buy four former US Seasprite helicopters which could land on it. The helicopters were delivered between 2002 and 2003 to the Polish Navy. In 2007 the helicopters were updated drastically and the helicopters are able to fly for the next few years. Finally, there are at Babie Doly also three W-3WARM Anakonda and two W-3RM Anakonda rescue helicopters and two W-3T Sokol transport helicopters stationed.

The second Polish Navy air base is 44 Baza Lotnictwa Morskiego (44.BLotM) Siemerowice. This airbase located at a distance of approximately 50 kilometers west of Gdansk in northern Poland. The aircraft which are stationed at this airbase are part of the "Kaszubska" Grupa Lotnicza (Kashubian Aviation Group). Like the 43.BLotM also the 44.BLotM was founded in its current form in 2011. The naval unit at Siemerowice is a direct descendant of the 30 Kaszubskiej Eskadry Lotniczej. The 44.BLotM is not only stationed on Siemerowice but has also a detachment at Darłowo which is located 50 kilometers to the west. The helicopters which are based on this airbase belong to the "Darłowska" Grupa Lotnicza (Darłowian Aviation Group). On Siemerowice only aircraft of type PZL M28 are stationed. The PZL M28 is from 1994 in use at the Polish Navy and is the successor of the An-2 "Colt" in the role of patrol aircraft. The unit a Siemerowice has two PZL M28B Bryza 1E aircraft which are used for ecological monitoring. These aircraft are especially patrolling along the coastline to see if ships do comply with the environmental rules on emissions and waste discharges into the sea. For flying maritime reconnaissance the unit features seven PZL M28B Bryza-1R reconnaissance aircraft. These aircraft are used for reconnaissance, transport and maritime patrols along the shoreline. Finally, the 44.BLotM has on Siemerowice also a few M28B Bryza 1RM-bis aircraft in use which are next to reconnaissance at sea also be used to detect submarines.

All helicopters of the 44.BLotM are stationed at Darłowo. Darłowo is only a small airbase and has only a very short runway which can accommodate helicopters only. The helicopters of the 44.BLotM which are based at Darłowo fly at the 29 Darłowskiej Eskadry Lotniczej. The Polish Navy has at Darłowo three Mi-2 "Hoplite" Helicopters in use which can be used for training flights. These helicopters ensure that pilots can work cheap and they make sure that the fleet of heavy helicopters is relieved. For the SAR flight the navy has in Darłowo two W-3RM Anaconda rescue helicopters for rescue at sea. These helicopters are 24 hour a day standby to provide assistance at sea and along the Polish coastline. The Anakonda helicopters are in use in the Polish Navy since 1989. The W-3RM variant of the Sokol has compared the Army models inflatable floats; the helicopter is able to float in case of an emergency landing at sea. The Anakonda fleet at Darłowo is supported by two Mi-14GB/R "Haze" rescue helicopters. These helicopters are modernized Mi-14GB helicopters and can operate from ships. The helicopters are in addition to the anti-submarine warfare also used for SAR duties. Another eight Mi-14GB anti-submarine helicopters are based at Darłowo for the anti-submarine warfare. These helicopters are not only used for the detection of submarines, but are also able to destroy them with torpedoes. The Mi-14 has been used in the Polish Navy since 1981 and is now in the twilight of its operational service. It is not yet known which type of helicopter will replace Mi-14 at the Polish Navy.

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