Polish Air Force Pilots Arrive in Israel for Joint Exercise

Polish Air Force representatives arrived this week to conduct joint training with the Israel Air Force at the Uvda Airbase. The Israeli Air Force's (IAF) 10th Squadron participated in the training exercise which involved Israeli Netz (F-16 A, B), Barak (F-16 C) and Baz (F- 15) aircraft and is part of an annual training graph - which includes collaboration with counterpart air forces from around the world.

The Polish delegation will stay at the Uvda Airbase for the next two weeks and will practice combat scenarios in the air and on the ground, specializing in hitting targets. The 10th Squadron pilots are trained to mimic enemy aircraft operation and are responsible for the training of IAF squadrons as well as host foreign militaries.

"The purpose of the joint training exercise is first of all to establish a foundation for cooperation between the two militaries. We enjoy hosting at the squadron and furthering the legitimacy of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) activities, as well as learn from a foreign military," said 10th Squadron Deputy Commander, Gen. Omer and added that "so far we are both positively impressed from each other and we are very satisfied with the level of their operation and the relationships that formed."

Gen. Lukach Fiatek, a pilot from the Polish Air Force told IDF Website that "through training with the IDF, we are exposed to completely new training grounds and facilities, for example flight in lower altitudes is an experience we cannot acquire by training in Europe alone."

Gen. Fiatek added that "one of the things we knew about the IAF prior to arriving here was that it is one of the most experienced air forces in the world, through operations and wars it participated in. We are used to training under conditions of peace but you are still forced to participate in operational missions combating terror organizations every day." The Polish pilot said that after the training exercise, he expects a strong cooperation with the IAF in the future.


Source: 15 March 2012 - dailyairforce.com

Photo: Polish Air Force F-16 with Israeli F-16 for Joint Exercise (Photo by iaf.org.il)




(15.03.2012)