The Polish Air Force sent four modern F-16 fighter jets to take part in the joint large-scale aviation exercise Clear Sky 2018 in Ukraine.

According to the information provided to by Major Dariusz Kurowski of the Polish General Command of the Armed Forces, during the exercises, Polish fighter jets operate from base airfields and do not carry combat weapon.

F-16 fighter jets from the Polish Air Force’s 2nd Tactical Air Wing are plays the role of opposing forces and simulated an enemy aircraft. Also, Polish fighter jets take part in joint missions with U.S. F-15C Eagles and carry out in-flight refueling missions with KC-135 Stratotankers.

The main aim of the operation is to prepare the participants to plan reconnaissance sorties and quick deployment of the air assets.

The training at Clear Sky 18 greatly improves interoperability among participating countries. The exercise promotes regional stability and security, while strengthening partner capabilities and fostering trust.

Clear Sky 2018 is a joint and multinational exercise that involving approximately 950 personnel from nine nations, including Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The 2nd Tactical Air Wing – based in Poznan-Krzesiny commands the 31st and 32nd Tactical Air Bases. The 2nd Tactical Air Wing is the only body in the Polish Air Force to operate the multirole Block 52+ F-16s and this for the first time when Polish modern fighter jets take part in exercises over Ukraine.