A Polish Air Force delegation arrived for the first time in Israel this week. As part of the IDF’s efforts to increase military cooperation with countries around the world, the Udva Airbase hosted a number of exercises, which will include combat scenarios in the air and ground.
The IAF’s 10th Squadron participated in one exercise that involved Israeli Netz (F-16 A, B), Barak (F-16 C), and Baz (F- 15) aircraft.
The 10th Squadron’s Deputy Commander, General Omer said, "The purpose of the joint training exercise is first of all to establish a foundation for cooperation between the two militaries. We enjoy hosting the squadron and furthering the legitimacy of IDF activities, as well as learning from a foreign military." He continued by saying, "so far we are both positively impressed from each other and we are very satisfied with the level of their operation and the relationships that formed."
Gen. Lukach Fiatek, a pilot from the Polish Air Force, told IDF spokespersons: "Through training with the IDF, we are exposed to completely new training grounds and facilities, for example flight in lower altitudes is an experience we cannot acquire by training in Europe alone." He also said, "One of the things we knew about the IAF prior to arriving here was that it is one of the most experienced air forces in the world, through operations and wars it participated in. We are used to training under conditions of peace, but you are still forced to participate in operational missions combating terror organizations every day."
Following the training exercise, Gen. Fiatek said that he ‘expects a strong cooperation with the IAF in the future.’