Poland deployed a contingent of troops to Turkey on Tuesday, in support of NATO measures to bolster security in the southeast of the Alliance. The long-planned deployment will involve up to 80 personnel, supporting Turkey with maritime patrols over the eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea with a Polish M28 “Bryza” aircraft. The mission will also work alongside NATO’s naval groups in the region.
NATO Spokesperson Oana Lungescu welcomed the move, saying: “Poland’s deployment in support of Turkey demonstrates NATO solidarity in action. These maritime patrols will help to increase the Alliance’s situational awareness in the region, and enhance our shared security.”
Pursuant to the decision of the President, Poland will deploy the ‘Bryza’ patrol and reconnaissance aircraft and up to 80 soldiers and military personnel on the mission. The contingent will operate from Turkey and patrol the waters of the eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea.
Allies agreed on a package of tailored assurance measures for Turkey in 2015, to help Turkey respond to a volatile security environment. These measures include an increased presence of AWACS surveillance aircraft in the region; increased maritime activities in the eastern Mediterranean; Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance activities, and information sharing.
