United Kingdom extends troop deployment and Sky Sabre System in Poland.

On March 13, 2024, the United Kingdom announced the extension of the deployment of 100 personnel in Poland until the end of the year, as well as the continued presence of the Sky Sabre air defense system. This move strengthens NATO's eastern security, especially around critical infrastructure such as Jasionka Airport and vital routes for military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
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United Kingdom announced the extension of the deployment of 100 personnel in Poland until the end of the year, as well as the continued presence of the Sky Sabre air defense system (Picture source: British MoD )

The announcement was made by the British Defense Secretary, Grant Shapps, during his visit to the Orzysz military firing range in Poland. The visit coincided with Exercise Dragon 24, where Shapps met with his Polish counterpart, Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz. During the meeting, the Polish minister expressed his country's gratitude for the British support, emphasizing Shapps' commitment to Polish security.

The British Defense Secretary stated, "The UK will always be ready to defend its NATO allies when necessary. That's why we are extending the deployment of 100 British soldiers and our Sky Sabre air defense system today to protect Poland from the increasing threats and aggressive forces."

Operation Steadfast Defender 24 represents NATO's largest defensive exercise since its expansion in 1999, involving over 90,000 NATO and Swedish soldiers, with Poland playing a critical role since it began hosting allied troops and equipment on February 26, 2024. This diverse exercise tests the Polish military's ability to respond to various attacks, involving units such as the 11th Armored Cavalry Division and special forces, as well as collaboration with non-military professions like forestry services. The objective is to demonstrate NATO's defense and rapid intervention capabilities across all terrains, sending a clear message to potential adversaries.

The Sky Sabre system, which succeeds the Rapier system that served the British Armed Forces for over 40 years, marks a new era in the UK's air defense. The defense system consists of three main components: the command and control center, the detection system, and the missile system. The command and control center, also known as the system's "brain," is provided by Rafael under the name Surface to Air Missile Centre (SAMOC). It incorporates the Link 16, a tactical datalink that allows Sky Sabre to communicate with Royal Navy and Royal Air Force ships and aircraft, as well as UK allies. The detection system, or "sensor," is represented by the Giraffe Agile Multibeam (GAMB) radar supplied by Saab. This radar offers 360-degree coverage up to a distance of 1,200 km. As for the launch and missile system, known as Land Ceptor, it is supplied by MBDA and uses Common Anti-Air Modular Missiles (CAMM), as well as their extended range version, the CAMM-ER.

The Sky Sabre is noted for its extreme precision, capable of hitting a tennis ball-sized object moving at the speed of sound. It can also simultaneously control the flight of 24 missiles, guiding each to intercept 24 separate targets. The system is mobile, rapidly deployable, and designed to offer short to medium-range air and missile defense. With missile speeds reaching 2,300 miles per hour, the Sky Sabre represents a significant advancement in air defense, thus strengthening NATO's capability to protect its eastern flank against any form of aggression.

Operational since 2020, the Sky Sabre was designed to replace the aging Rapier FSC system, providing the UK with a leading air defense solution. Produced by MBDA, Saab, and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the Sky Sabre ensures effective defense against saturation attacks of missiles and aircraft at short and medium ranges. By extending the deployment of the Sky Sabre system in Poland, the UK enhances the defense of NATO members against potential air or missile attacks, particularly from Russia.

Defense News March 2024