Polish F-16 pilots train in UK-led Cobra Warrior exercise
Polish Air Force F-16 pilots took part in the British Royal Air Force-led Exercise Cobra Warrior 2026, which ended on Friday, Poland's defence minister has reported.
The exercise held at the RAF Waddington station from March 16-27 brought together NATO allies (Poland, UK, Germany and US) for advanced air combat training aimed at improving interoperability in contested environments.
Polish Minister of Defence Wladyslaw Kosiniak Kamysz thanked the participating Polish pilots in a post on X on Friday. "Twelve days of intensive training with allies in the UK. Our pilots and Polish 'Jastrzebie' [F-16C Falcon fighters] are returning home today," he wrote. "Thank you for your service and professionalism!"
NATO also shared a video on X offering a glimpse into a typical day for one of the Polish pilots during the exercise.
Cobra Warrior is the RAF's premier multinational, high-intensity tactical air warfare exercise, held up to twice a year in the UK. It brings together NATO members and allied partners for complex, multi-domain training, with a focus on large-force operations, defensive/offensive counter-air missions and cross-domain integration.
The most recent exercise gathered aircrew and equipment from the UK, Germany and Poland, with the aim of enhancing joint operational planning, force integration and tactical performance under conditions reflecting the modern battlefield.
The Polish Air Force participated with six F-16C Falcon fighters, which are co-stationed with German aircraft at RAF Waddington, the RAF said.
The RAF participated with Typhoon fighter jets and F-35B Lightning jets, while the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) contributed Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft.
Cobra Warrior also featured NATO and US support units, including E-3 Sentry AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) aircraft, which provide airborne early warning and battle management capabilities. (PAP)
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