Pilots, sensors operators and analysts from 12 Base of Unmanned Air Ships will participate in the 8th PKW Turkey change. They will conduct patrolling and reconnaissance of parts of the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. peculiar attention will be paid to military ships outside NATO and civilian ships that can smuggle weapons.
Airmen from the 12th Unmanned Airship Base are on their way to Turkey. They will patrol the Mediterranean and the Black Sea utilizing TB2 Bayraktars – Unmanned reconnaissance and combat Turkish production, equipped with a unit in Mirosławec. “Our airmen will replace sailors from the Navy Air Brigade on a mission,” said Colonel Pil. Jacek Janowski, Commander 12 Unmanned Aircraft Bases.
The Polish contingent has been stationed in İncirlik Air Base in the south of Turkey since 2021. There will besides be airmen from Mirosławiec. Their task for the next six months will be to conduct reconnaissance and patrol activities on the Mediterranean and Black Sea waters in the NATO-designated area. Polish soldiers will collect information primarily on floating military units outside the Alliance, but their interests will besides be addressed by civilian boats, which can be moved, for example, by arms smugglers. Poles cooperate with NATO's permanent naval teams and NATO's naval force command in Northwood.
12 The base sends to Turkey unmanned pilots, sensor operators who are liable for the appropriate usage of Bayraktar heads for reconnaissance, and a squad of soldiers who will analyse the information obtained. The PKW will besides include technicians who take care of aircraft, and logistics.
The soldiers will return home in the mediate of the year. However, today's plans presume that the IX change of the quota will besides exhibit 12 Base of Unmanned Air Ships. “For our unit, they are not only operational activities for which we are prepared, but besides the chance to gain fresh experiences,” said Colonel Pil. Jacek Janowski. “I think that entrusting us with this task is simply a good decision. Unmanned are designed to execute this kind of mission. We can operate longer than planes, with more frequency. There are many advantages. I'm certain my soldiers can handle their assignments in Turkey. But it surely won't hurt to keep your fingers crossed for the success of the mission," added the unit commander.
The Tailored Assurance Measures Mission for Turkey (TAMT) has been moving since 2014. It was established due to the unstable situation in the waters surrounding Turkey. At the end of 2015, NATO agreed that AWACS will be active in the mission to respond to safety challenges at Turkish borders and will be attended by soldiers conducting intelligence, reflection and exploratory activities. The first Polish contingent flew to Turkey in 2021. The mission was attended by about 80 soldiers and military personnel, and was besides operated by a patrol and survey aircraft Bryza from the Naval Air Base. This unit has issued all 7 PKW changes.
The TB2 Bayraktary is an unmanned MALE class (Medium Altitude – Long Endurance, or average tallness and long flight time). Poland bought 4 sets of Bayraktars (each set is six aircraft) and their ammunition in May 2021.
