Świdnik 2010-04-18
21st Tactical Air Base in Świdwin.
2010 - ...
In 2010, another organizational change took place. The 21st Tactical Air Base was established. The 21st Tactical Air Base was created by combining the 8th ELT, 40th ELT and 21st Air Base. 21 BLT has been operating since 2010.
There was a prospect of liquidating the unit after the Su-22 aircraft were withdrawn from service, i.e. in the period 2015 - 2018. This was not done because the Su-22 aircraft were still being renovated. In 2019, information appeared that Lockheed Martin F-35 aircraft may be based here.
21 The base in Świdwin is subordinated to the 1st Tactical Aviation Wing. The 1st Tactical Aviation Wing also includes: the 22nd Base in Malbork and the 23rd Base in Mińsk Mazowiecki. The wing is armed with Su-22 and MiG-29 aircraft. The main task of the 21st Tactical Air Base in Świdwin is to support Tactical Aviation Squadrons.
By decision of the Ministry of National Defense No. 499/MON of December 28, 2010, the Base inherits the traditions of: 40th Fighter Aviation Regiment (1951–1971), 86th Signal Battalion (1968–1998), 47th Mobile Aviation Repair Workshops (1951–1957), 47th Field Workshops Aviation (1957–1999), 28th Mobile Car Repair Workshop (1966–1999), 19th Radio Battalion (1968–1995), 40th Fighter-Attack Aviation Regiment (1971–1982), 48th Aviation Squadron (1978–1990), 1st Center Army Air Combat Command (1978–1983), 40th Fighter-Bomber Aviation Regiment (1982–1999), 1st Front Air Force Combat Command Center (1983–1990), 1st Air Combat Command Center (1990–1995), 1st Air Command Center (1995–2001), 8th Tactical Aviation Squadron (2000–2010), 39th Tactical Aviation Squadron (2000–2003), 40th Tactical Aviation Squadron (2000–2010), 11th Air Base (2000–2002), 21st Air Base (2000) –2010).
The 21st Tactical Air Base inherited the banner from the 21st Air Base. Individual Day is celebrated on July 1.
Currently (2019), the 21st Tactical Aviation Base operates Su-22 aircraft grouped in two squadrons. The full-time capacity is 32 planes. In fact, there are about 40 planes. The airport in Świdwin is the only one in Poland where Su-22 aircraft are stationed. Su-22 planes are gradually running out of service life. There was a prospect that the Base would be closed down in the period 2015-2018. Thanks to the renovation of Su-22 aircraft in Bydgoszcz, the planes are kept in service. There is a prospect for the 21st Base to acquire new Lockheed Martin F-35 A combat aircraft.
Commanders of the 21st Tactical Air Base:
Brigadier General pilot Ireneusz Starzyński (2010 - May 15, 2015). Colonel pilot Karol Jędraszczyk (June 16, 2015 - ...).
Written by Karol Placha Hetman