The slightly patched surface of the F-22 reflects in numerous colours under the brightly shining Polish sun, as two Raptors taxi to the runway. A new Air Shielding mission is about to be launched. These state of the art 5th generation fighters are part of the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron. They have been deployed to Europe to show NATO’s teeth. Twan van Dommelen and Ben Gorski visited Łask Airbase to see and hear how this squadron complements the NATO Air Shielding mission.

Air Shielding

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Air Shielding provides increased defence along NATO’s eastern flank to protect NATO territory from air and missile threats. Or as Brigadier General Ömer Nafiz Gülmezoğlu discribes: “Whoever has any hostile intentions towards any NATO territory will face NATO’s readiness, coherence and solidarity.”

“Air Shielding brings an unprecedented number of Allied aircraft on patrol on NATO’s eastern flank. The fighter jets are ready to deter and defend against any threat. These activities are conducted in compliance with international laws and standards. They are defensive, but they signal NATO’s readiness to protect our Allies,” General Gülmezoglu adds.

The Air Shielding mission is planned, coordinated, controlled and executed by the NATO Command Structure Joint Force Air Component (NCS JFAC). This was set up at Allied Air Command in Ramstein at the start of Russia’s war against Ukraine. Air Shielding combines the use of air and surface-based air and missile defence assets that NATO Allies have deployed along the eastern flank. These missions demonstrate NATO’s firm commitment to deterrence and defence of the Euro-Atlantic region.