British troops end Sky Sabre deployment to Poland defending Nato's eastern flank
The UK's Sky Sabre air defence deployment to Poland has come to an end, with British personnel being thanked for the role they played in the country.
Initially planned as a six-month operation in 2022, it was extended four times, as the air defence system protected Nato's eastern flank amid Russian aggression in Ukraine.
Around 100 personnel were deployed to Poland along with the Sky Sabre system for Op Stifftail, during which they also secured Jasionka Airport and roads providing a passage of military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
Sky Sabre will now be moved back to the UK to ensure that the UK's Armed Forces have flexibility on future operations and can train more personnel on the system.
UK and Polish troops marked the end of the two-year deployment of the Sky Sabre system at a ceremony in Rzeszów.
The conclusion of the deployment was marked by a joint visit from Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard and Polish secretary of state Paweł Zalewski.
Mr Pollard said: "This operation has been a huge success.
"The Sky Sabre system played an important role in defending Poland's airspace.
"Our outstanding Armed Forces personnel keep us secure at home and strong abroad and I'd like to thank them for their professionalism and hard work during this extended deployment.
"I'd also like to welcome them home for some well-deserved rest with their loved ones over the Christmas period.
"The UK remains unshakeable in its commitment to defending our Nato allies, and we will continue to work closely with our Polish allies, including through a deployment of RAF Typhoons next year.
"We continue to work with our Polish friends to deliver the NAREW programme."
In 2025, the RAF will join a Nato Air Policing mission in Poland to deter adversaries above Nato's eastern flank.
The NAREW programme, which is a collaboration between UK firm MBDA and Polish defence company PGZ, will see Poland receive more than 1,000 Common Anti-Air Modular Missiles – Extended Range (CAMM-ER) and more than 100 iLaunchers.
These will boost Poland's ability to defend itself against modern threats, including cruise missiles and fighter jets, at ranges of more than 40km.
The British Army continues to keep more than 100 troops permanently deployed to Poland, as part of the UK's enhanced forward presence.
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