The Norwegian NASAMS air defense system has been deployed to Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport in Poland, marking Norway’s contribution to NATO’s integrated air and missile defense efforts.
The deployment is aimed at protecting critical infrastructure vital to international aid to Ukraine.
“We are here to protect critical infrastructure essential to international support for Ukraine,” said Lieutenant Colonel Erlend Hammervik-Elvenes, commander of the Norwegian air defense detachment at Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport.
The mission for the detachment from Norway’s Air Defense Battalion is to secure the airspace over the airport, which serves as a key logistics hub for supplies heading to Ukraine. The Norwegian personnel are expected to remain on alert at the site until Easter 2025.
Serving During the Holidays
The deployment includes conscripted Air Force soldiers temporarily enlisted for this mission. Many of them will be spending their first Christmas away from family and friends in a foreign country.
“It feels like the right thing to do,” said Ola, part of the team responsible for the launcher platform. “My family was a bit concerned at first, but they’ve received good information about the mission.”
Markus, another soldier working in logistics, acknowledged the challenges of being away during the holidays. “I haven’t felt the Christmas spirit yet, but I’m hopeful it will come. We’ve known each other for a year now, so we’re like a family here. I’ll definitely feel it on Christmas Eve but plan to call home.”
The Norwegian deployment is part of NATO’s integrated air and missile defense strategy, coordinated by the alliance’s European Air Command (AIRCOM). With contributions from several NATO countries, the operation bolsters the alliance’s eastern flank in response to heightened security threats following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“The Air Force has highly competent soldiers, and combined with an effective air defense system, Norway is well-positioned to fulfill its responsibilities alongside our allies,” said Major General Øivind Gunnerud, Chief of the Norwegian Air Force.
The deployment of NASAMS equipment involved transporting the systems from Orkanger Port in Trøndelag to Gdynia Port in Poland, followed by a 700-kilometer convoy journey to Rzeszów. This operation demonstrates the Norwegian Air Force’s ability to mobilize quickly over long distances.
Norway’s contribution, which will eventually include four F-35 fighter jets, underscores its commitment to NATO’s collective defense and international security. The deployment reflects Norway’s active role in addressing current security challenges in Europe.