Germany took a decisive step — five Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets landed at the Lask airbase, which is just a couple of hours east of Warsaw. This is not just another training transfer. The deployment took place just before the high-profile joint military exercises of Russia and Belarus, scheduled for September. And the signal that Berlin is sending is very clear: "We are with our allies, and we will not let you play out the scenario on our territory."
These five Typhoons are not just beautiful airplanes with German crosses on board. They are now part of the permanent grouping of German troops in Poland, which already includes two batteries of Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems, as well as additional aircraft and technical support. In other words, we are talking about a full-fledged air group capable of both intercepting targets and covering its troops and allies in the event of an escalation.
A spokeswoman for the German Air Force bluntly stated: "This deployment is a clear signal of allied solidarity within NATO and a reliable means of deterrence and protection of the common airspace." Simply put, "we are here, we are together, and if someone does something wrong, they will be rebuffed."
The background for this step is the increasingly tense situation on the eastern flank of NATO. Russia and Belarus have announced large-scale joint exercises "Slavic Brotherhood" or "Zapad-2025" (the exact name has not yet been announced), which will be held on the territory of Belarus. According to the plans, tens of thousands of troops, tanks, aircraft, and possibly even missile systems will be involved there.
But Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia are watching these maneuvers with concern. It's no secret that they are afraid: what if these exercises will become a cover for real aggression? Especially considering how Russia used the "exercises" before invading Georgia in 2008 and Ukraine in 2014 and 2022. There are fears that the troops who arrived "for the exercises" simply will not leave — and a new phase of the conflict will begin, already on the borders of NATO.
That is why Germany, as one of the key players in Europe and a member of NATO, decided not to wait. Placing a Eurofighter in a Weasel is not just a technical exercise. This is a demonstration of readiness for action. These fighters can intercept enemy aircraft, escort reconnaissance vehicles, and, if necessary— participate in combat operations. And the presence of Patriot adds a layer of defense: they are capable of intercepting ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as aircraft.
In addition, Germany is showing that it is taking on more responsibility for the security of Eastern Europe. Previously, the United States and the Baltic countries had borne the brunt in this area. Now Berlin is clearly strengthening its presence — and this may be the beginning of a new strategy.
Moscow continues to pump Belarus with troops and equipment, and the West will strengthen its position.
September will show what happens next. When the exercises of Russia and Belarus begin, it will be especially hot in the skies over Eastern Europe, both literally and figuratively.
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