POLISH AIR FORCE: AIR FORCES
The most significant branch of the Polish Air Force are the air forces - performing day-to-day missions for the Polish Republic and NATO. The primary tasks performed by the air forces are: defending Polish and NATO airspace, counteracting hostile intrusion and providing airlift capabilities for the Polish Armed Forces detachments abroad.
The Polish Air Force has undergone an immense transformation effort since 1994. With the implementation of the new F-16 Block 52+ multirole aircraft in 2006 and participation in many NATO programs such as NATINADS, NAPMO, NATO HAW and SALIS, new demands and tasks were introduced. In 2009 the Air Brigades and subordinated units have been reorganized into Air Wings.
The 1st Tactical Air Wing - based in Swidwin, commands the 12th, 21st, 22nd, and 23rd Air Base as well as the 1st, 7th, 8th, 40th and 41st Tactical Air Squadrons. The 1st and 41st TAS operate on MiG-29 Fulcrums, while the 7th, 8th and 40th TAS operate on Su-22 Fitters.
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The 2nd Tactical Air Wing - based in Poznan-Krzesiny commands the 31st and 32nd Tactical Air Bases. The tactical air base structure has only recently been applies to the organisational structure of the Polish air force - integrating the squadrons and air bases into a single unit. The 2nd Tactical Air Wing is the only body in the Polish Air Force to operate the multirole Block 52+ F-16s.
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The 3rd Air Transport Wing - based in Powidz, commands the 8th and 33rd Air Bases, the 13th, 14th Air Transport Squadrons and the 2nd and 3rd Air Communications Squadrons. The 13th Air Transport Squadron operates on C-295M CASAs and the 14th Air Transport Squadron operates on the C-130E Hercules aircraft.
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The 4th Training Wing - located in Deblin, is solely committed to training the cateds of the Polish Air Force Academy. The Training wing commands the 6th Air Base in Deblin as well as the 1st and 2nd Air Training Centers. TS-11 jets and PZL-130 turboprops are used for training purposes.
