Image reproduced from 中央社

The Norwegian Ministry of Defence announced on June 30 that, in response to the increasing presence of Russian military aircraft in the Baltic Sea, it will deploy F-35A fighter jets to the Polish airport in Rzeszów this autumn. This move aims to strengthen NATO's defense capabilities on the eastern flank and ensure the security of logistics bases for military aid to Ukraine against potential Russian threats.

Reports indicate that Russian military planes have frequently appeared in the Baltic Sea, often engaging in provocative actions. For instance, on May 22, a Russian Su-24 fighter jet conducted dangerous maneuvers over the Baltic, prompting the Polish Air Force to scramble jets for interception. Additionally, Germany's “Bild” reported that another Russian IL-20M electronic reconnaissance aircraft took off from Kaliningrad on June 27 without turning on its transponder, encroaching upon airspace along the Poland-Germany border, thus necessitating the engagement of two “Euro” jets from the German Air Force for interception.

Furthermore, during the recent spate of airstrikes on Ukraine, Russian missiles and drones have reportedly come close to the Rzeszów airspace, highlighting the ongoing testing of NATO's air defense capabilities by Russia. In light of these developments, Norwegian Defence Minister Bjørnar Skjaalvik announced that several Royal Norwegian Air Force F-35A jets would be stationed in Poland to enhance situational awareness and joint operational capabilities against Russian threats.

Analysts suggest that this action sends a clear message to Russia, demonstrating the West's commitment to strengthening the security of operations supporting Ukraine and deterring further Russian provocations. Moreover, on the same day, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announced plans to deploy German naval vessels to patrol the North Atlantic and Arctic waters by the end of the year. This deployment will include a historic stop at the Danish autonomous territory of Greenland, as well as collaborative naval exercises named “Nanook” in Canada, intended to showcase Germany's military capabilities and counter potential Russian expansion in the region.