PM Tusk: Poland's Skies Are Safe Thanks to Our Soldiers
Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Republic of Poland
11.09.2025
"Today, the words 'Polish pilot' are a source of great pride. You have every reason to hold your heads high. In Poland, everyone feels pride and deep satisfaction that our skies are protected by people like you," Prime Minister Donald Tusk told the pilots of the 32nd Tactical Air Base in Łask. The Prime Minister's visit was connected to Wednesday's violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones. The base's soldiers-F-16 pilots-took part in neutralizing them.
Prime Minister to Pilots: "You Are Heroes"
On Wednesday morning, Polish airspace was unprecedentedly violated by Russian drones. Nineteen machines entered Polish territory during the night.
"What happened that night made everyone without exception realize that this is a great national lesson on the immense importance of having you—pilots, soldiers, officers—who guard Poland's skies. These are no longer exercises, displays, or maneuvers, but direct action aimed at protecting our Homeland and the safety of our citizens," said Prime Minister Tusk, addressing the soldiers of the 32nd Tactical Air Base in Łask.
The head of government also conveyed congratulations from European presidents and prime ministers with whom he had spoken the previous day.
"For everyone, without exception, no matter where they come from or what their views are—you are heroes," the Prime Minister said.
Despite yesterday's attack on Polish skies, the country remained safe. The Polish military immediately activated defensive procedures. So far, remains of 16 drones have been found. Coordinated actions of the military and services to locate the others are ongoing.
Poland's Security Is Not an Abstraction
In his speech, Prime Minister Tusk recalled that he last visited the 32nd Tactical Air Base in 2014.
"Almost everything has changed since I visited you in 2014. Only the enemy has not changed. Eleven years ago, I was in Łask because that was when Russia's first aggression against Ukraine began. That was Crimea," the Prime Minister reminded.
Tusk assured the soldiers that he would do everything to ensure that NATO allies' commitments toward Poland are fulfilled. During the drone neutralization operation in Polish airspace, both Polish and allied aircraft were engaged, including Dutch F-35s, F-16s, MI-24 and MI-17 helicopters, and Black Hawks. Saab and AWACS early warning aircraft were also activated.
"All of Poland saw whom we owe the fact that the night did not end in tragedy, that there were no casualties. Even if Russia's aggressive policy threatens us, thanks to you this sense of security is not an abstraction but something very real," Tusk stressed.
At Poland's request, NATO has invoked Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which obliges member states to consult in the event of a threat. It states that "the Parties will consult together whenever, in the opinion of any of them, the territorial integrity, political independence, or security of any of the Parties is threatened."
Modern F-35 Aircraft to Arrive in Poland Soon
The 32nd Tactical Air Base is one of the most important units of the Polish Air Force. It is one of only two units in Poland equipped with F-16 aircraft. A significant upcoming development will be the arrival of F-35s—fifth-generation multirole stealth fighters.
"We hope the Americans will meet the deadlines. We would like the first batch of F-35s to reach you in May so that month by month, year by year, we can speak with greater confidence about our airpower, and that Poland is truly safe from the skies," the Prime Minister said.
The purchase of these aircraft will strengthen Poland's defense capabilities and enhance the country's position within NATO. The F-35 fighters, with their advanced stealth technology, will enable effective detection and neutralization of threats in airspace both in peacetime and in wartime.
The 32nd Tactical Air Base
By decision of the Ministry of National Defense and as a result of the reorganization of the 32nd Air Base and the 10th Tactical Air Squadron, the 32nd Tactical Air Base was established on January 1, 2010. The base operates as part of the 2nd Tactical Air Wing headquartered in Poznań.
The main tasks of the Łask base's pilots include: enhancing capabilities in countering military and non-military crisis threats, including airborne terrorism, securing squadron training, and supporting the operations of allied forces.
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