UK to deploy Squadron of Typhoon Fighter Jets in Poland.

On April 23, 2024, during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Poland, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced plans to deploy a squadron of Typhoon FGR4 fighter jets to Poland to defend its airspace in 2025 as part of NATO's air mission in the Baltic Sea.
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UK Typhoon FGR4 fighter jet (Picture source: UK MoD)

During this meeting, the British Prime Minister also mentioned that as part of the ongoing NATO exercises, Steadfast Defender 24, which will continue until the end of May, the UK will deploy 16,000 soldiers to Poland. In addition to announcing the deployment of Typhoon fighter jets to enhance Poland's air security, the British Prime Minister also expressed his intention to triple the funding of UK Export Finance available for Poland, from £5 billion to £15 billion sterling. He also reiterated the UK's commitment to providing an additional £500 million in aid to Ukraine.

The NATO air mission in the Baltic Sea is closely focused on monitoring Russian aerial activities in the region. NATO aircraft regularly patrols to detect and intercept Russian aircraft approaching NATO's borders, ensuring the security of alliance member countries in the area. This mission aims to deter any provocation or aggression from Russia while demonstrating NATO's determination to defend its territory and ensure stability in the Baltic region against potentially threatening Russian aerial activities.

The British Air Forces are primarily deployed at the Lask Air Base in Poland. This base regularly hosts squadrons from the Royal Air Force (RAF) as part of joint operations with Polish forces and other NATO members. The deployment of British forces at the Lask Air Base strengthens military cooperation between the UK and Poland while contributing to the deterrence and collective defense efforts of NATO in the Eastern European region.

The Typhoon FGR4 is powered by two Eurojet EJ200 engines, providing it with a top speed exceeding Mach 2 and a service ceiling above 55,000 feet. It is equipped with a sophisticated radar and sensor suite capable of supporting a wide range of operational tasks, from surveillance to precision strikes. This aircraft plays a critical role in the UK's defense strategy, regularly updated and integrated with cutting-edge technology to maintain its superiority in modern warfare. It has seen deployment in various international missions, including patrols in contested airspaces and operations against the Islamic State.

The Typhoon FGR.Mk 4 is an exceptionally capable and agile multi-role combat aircraft, proficient in executing diverse air operations such as air policing, peace support, and high-intensity conflict. Initially designed primarily for air-to-air combat as the Typhoon F.Mk 2, it has evolved into a versatile precision multi-role platform as the FGR4. Pilots manage many essential functions through the aircraft’s hands-on throttle and stick (HOTAS) interface, complemented by an advanced cockpit and the Helmet Equipment Assembly (HEA), ensuring the Typhoon is well-equipped for all facets of air operations.

While the Typhoon has undertaken precision attack missions in all its combat deployments thus far, its primary responsibility remains providing quick reaction alert (QRA) for UK and Falkland Islands airspace. Furthermore, detachments have provided support to NATO air defense efforts in the Baltic and Black Sea regions.

Equipped with an array of weapons, the Typhoon FGR4 can engage various target types effectively. In the air-to-air role, it utilizes the infrared-guided Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM), radar-guided beyond visual range Meteor missile, and the Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM), in conjunction with the Captor radar and PIRATE electro-optical targeting system, enhancing its combat prowess.

For ground-attack and close air support (CAS) missions, the Typhoon is compatible with GPS/laser-guided Enhanced Paveway II and Paveway IV bombs, and the Brimstone guided missile, often paired with the Litening III targeting pod. Its standard loadout for armed reconnaissance and CAS roles includes the Litening III, Paveway IV, Brimstone, and the internal 27mm gun.

The Paveway IV offers cockpit-programmable features for tailored target effects, while the 27mm gun is adept at providing warning shots or conducting precise attacks against light vehicles and personnel.