The operation, part of the broader Dragon 24 exercises, aims to test and enhance the Polish Navy's preparedness in safeguarding national interests at sea, with a focus on securing maritime communication routes critical for the transport of strategic raw materials and goods.
Participating units include the Combat Ship Squadron from the Polish Baltic port of Gdynia, featuring the missile frigates ORP Pułaski and ORP Kościuszko, the missile ships ORP Orkan and ORP Piorun, the Support Ship Squadron's rescue ship ORP Lech, the tanker ORP Bałtyk, and various tugboats, alongside the survey ship ORP Arctowski.
The Polish fleet will also be joined by the Italian frigate ITS Luigi Rizzo.
Comprehensive support from land-based forces will include contributions from Poland's Naval Missile Unit, Naval Port Gdynia Command, the 43rd EOD Battalion, the 9th Anti-Aircraft Squadron, and the 7th Pomeranian Territorial Defense Brigade.
The exercises are designed to cover a wide range of naval operations, from artillery firing and air defense to the protection of strategic maritime transport and response to “asymmetric threats.”
Additionally, search and rescue operations will be conducted, with aerial support from F-16 aircraft of the 1st Tactical Air Wing and Bryza patrol aircraft, alongside reconnaissance helicopters.
The maneuvers will focus on refining the crews' proficiency in at-sea resupply and dealing with hazardous chemical scenarios.
The Ostrobok 24 exercise is set to conclude on March 8.
(jh/gs)
Source: IAR, wojsko-polskie.pl