Proposal to move F-16's from Aviano to Poland

SquAdmin · Post by **SquAdmin** » 24 Mar 2009, 09:57

Found this on Alert5.com:

http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?sect ... icle=61529" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I'd say the USAF is only launching the idea to see what kind of reactions it triggers, but in the future it might of course become reality.

Le Addeur noir · Post by **Le Addeur noir** » 24 Mar 2009, 15:02

IMHO,a new US review of European defence commitments will be unveiled by the new administration,and is likely to herald some cuts to bases.

Hermolaus · Post by **Hermolaus** » 26 Mar 2009, 11:49

I've heard the news also. And even more - it was connected with a specific airfield: Miroslawiec (EPMI) here in Poland as a possible destination for Aviano F-16s...
Personally I wouldn't mind of course. The more combat jets (and especially F-16s) in the Polish skies - the better!

But I am just thinking how serious this idea is. And if so, when could this proposal become real?

BTW: I know of two Fighter Squadrons (510th & 555th) stationing in Aviano (both of 31st Fighter Wing). But exactly how many F-16s are there now?

DJdeRidder · Post by **DJdeRidder** » 26 Mar 2009, 11:52

Hermolaus wrote:BTW: I know of two Fighter Squadrons (510th & 555th) stationing in Aviano (both of 31st Fighter Wing). But exactly how many F-16s are there now?

About 50.

Arjan · Post by **Arjan** » 26 Mar 2009, 12:07

On the other hand, it does sound strange to me. The US invests a huge amount of money and sources to bolster the strength of the Polish Air Force. This to strengthen the Eastern border of the NATO thus meaning they can downgrade their own forces due to cutbacks, less tension in the area and operational requirements in other parts of the world. ETO is not exactly the most demanding at the moment, but defenitely a costly one for the DoD.
And then they would decide to move one of their fighterbases to Poland? I can understand the more operational freedom they will enjoy in the Polish airspace and the partnership. But the Polish F-16's are way more advanced than the American Vipers in Europe.

I doubt if they consider it worth their money and I am afraid that they will sooner choose to close it than move it!

Basman · Post by **Basman** » 03 Apr 2009, 10:57

To me this seems unlikely under the Obama-administration, it sounds more like an idea of the 'old politics' of Bush. As far as I can see, Obama appears to have a more diplomatic approach towards Russia and stationing 50 F-16's close to the border between Russia and NATO would not be in line with this policy.

Bas

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