EUNAVFOR IRINI
From April 1, 2020, Poland is continuing its commitment to the security of the European Union and takes part in the new EU operation EUNAVFOR MED IRINI, which focuses on enforcing the arms embargo on Libya. In addition, we delegate officers to the headquarters of EUNAVFOR Atalanta, a naval operation to combat piracy off the coast of the Horn of Africa.
Between 2015 and 2020, Poland participated in the EU maritime operation in the Mediterranean in the framework of EUNAVFOR MED SOPHIA, whose main task was to combat criminal organizations transferring irregular migrants to Europe.
The Polish Military Contingent in the European Union military operation in the southern region of the central Mediterranean Sea (PMC UENAVFOR MED IRINI) - up to 120 soldiers and workers - will be used in the region of the Mediterranean.
Operation EUNAVFOR MED (EU Naval Force Mediterranean)
The European Union Mission was established in May 2015 to smash migrant smuggling and trafficking in the central Mediterranean. In September 2015, two months after the official launch, she received the name "Sophia". The missioon ended on March 31 and EU NAVFOR MED IRINI commenced on April 1, 2020. In the Mediterranean region, the NATO SEA GUARDIAN operation is also conducted, under which the North Atlantic Alliance cooperates closely with the forces operating the EU SOPHIA operation.
Tasks
The Polish Naval Aviation Brigade carries out the task of forming the Polish Military Contingent as part of the EUNAVFOR MED military operation of the European Union.
The PMC EUNAVFOR MED IRINI counts up to 120 soldiers. The PMC also includes soldiers from: Special Forces Component Command, 3rd Ship Fleet, 6th Radioelectronics Center, Support Inspectorate, 10th Logistic Brigade, 9th Command Support Brigade, Military Police.
The basic means of the contingent will be the patrol-reconnaissance aircraft M28B 1R Bryza from the 44th Air Force Base.