Kraków 2015-03-26
288 Rozdział 1989-07-31
OKB Mikojan i Guriewicz MiG-29, wersja 9.12, UB
The supersonic fighter front.
History of exploitation in 1989-2014
In July 2014, it was the 25th anniversary of the MiG-29 fighter aircraft in Polish Military Aviation. On this occasion, parties were organized, decorations were given and officers were given. Several air shows were organized during which Polish pilots demonstrated their skills.
The last decade of the twentieth century.
The NATO code for MiG-29 is Fulcrum, which means "point of support". This name appealed to the Russians so much that they started calling themselves their planes.
In 1997, the US bought 14 MiG-29 aircraft from Moldova. The Russians explained that the plane is so good that even the USAF will put it on the armaments. The truth was different. The idea was for Moldova not to sell them to Iraq or North Korea. In 1997, three Polish MiG-29s trained in Israel. Planes have been tested by Israeli pilots. Pilots from Israel were preparing for a clash with Syria. Syria was at the stage of purchasing MiG-29 aircraft for its army.
The first decade of the 21st century.
In the first decade, the Russians offered tourist flights on MiG-29 and Su-27 two-seater fighters. In the US, MiG-29 aircraft can be seen in 10 museums, and another 5 aircraft are in private collections. In Russia, only 3 copies of MiG-29 can be seen in museums. In the secondary market, MiG-29 aircraft cost $ 1,000 to $ 3 million.
In the first decade of the 21st century, MiG-29 aircraft were in Poland equipped with two squadrons, 1 Fighter Aviation Squadron Mińsk Mazowiecki and 41 Fighter Squadron of Malbork Hunting. Airplanes came from shopping in the 80's of the twentieth century directly from the manufacturer. Subsequent aircraft were acquired from the Czech Republic on the basis of exchange for helicopters PZL Sokol in 90-years. The last batch was obtained from West Germany (Ex-East Germany).
MiG-29 in the Polish Army were intensively exploited. Regular shooting of on-board weapons, unguided missiles and guided missiles was carried out regularly. They were carried out on the Ustka and Nadarzyce training ground. On the Ustka marine training ground, CP-100 air shooting was carried out both during the day and at night. The CP-100 is an air target in the form of a parachute flare.
2011
In November 2011, MiG-29 aircraft from 22 BLT took part in BRTE X exercises, which were carried out on 21-23.11.2011, in the territory of the Baltics. These exercises, conducted since 2008, are an advanced training for countries engaging their forces and resources for the NATO Integrated Air Defense System (NATINADS). BRTE X is aimed at increasing the interoperability of air units and improving Air Command & Control (C2) procedures, as well as presenting NATO solidarity with the Baltic republics (Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia). In addition, BRTE promotes the integration of forces and resources of the Air Force of these countries in NATINADS.
As part of the exercises, three MiG-29s were transmitted to the Šiauliai airport in Lithuania. 5 pilots and 17 persons of technical and security personnel took part in the mission. Polish airplanes practiced together with planes; Royal Danish Air Force operating the F-16 two machines, and two F-15 belonging to USAF.
2012
On 7-11.05.2012, the 1st Tactical Aviation Wing with MiG-29 and Su-22 aircraft carried out a tactical exercise under the code name Kondor-12. This exercise was a preparation for the largest Polish exercises that take place annually under the codename of Anaconda. The exercises in 2012 were marked with Anaconda-12. The main objective of the exercise was to prepare the Tactical Air Base and the Airport Headquarters to carry out tactical tasks as part of a combined defense operation.
In May 2012, three MiG-29s aircraft from the 23rd BLT took part in the international TLP training at ALBACETE in Spain, whose main objective was to train COMAO commanders.
2013
The first woman pilot of the MiG-29 fighter.
On 28.08.2013, the second lieutenant pilot, Katarzyna Tomiak, was the first Pole who sat alone at the controls of the MiG-29 aircraft. At that time, 17 female pilots (transport planes and helicopters) served in the Polish Army. Just on 28.08.2013, second lieutenant pilot Katarzyna Tomiak passed the last combat test firing the missile missile R-60 and hitting the target. Katarzyna was sent for further service in the base at Malbork Airport.
In March 2013, Polish airplanes stayed in Spain taking part in the Tactical Leadership Program (TLP). Four pilots and three MiG-29 planes from the 23rd Tactical Air Base from Minsk Mazowiecki were sent.
MiG-29 in the Missions of Polish Military Contingents in the Balt Countries, under the name Air Policing, took part many times. The missions consisted in defending the Baltic States against aggressive Russian aviation operations.
Written by Karol Placha Hetman