NATO maneuvers near Poznań are a first for Polish troops

96 fighter jets and around 1,700 soldiers from 15 NATO member countries are taking part in the "NATO Air Meet 2003" maneuvers, which commenced Monday in Poznań. These are the largest NATO exercises which are organized once a year, for the first time this year with the presence of the Polish forces. "This is a serious and a fantastic event. The possibility to check our cooperation, and to check if there are any language barriers," said the head of maneuvers General Major Leo van den Born, from Holland. The soldiers will have two weeks to practice common air operations, such as the destruction of mock enemy anti-aircraft defense systems, or combating air and ground targets, using special simulation systems. Some of the aircraft taking part in aeriel training flights are the USAF F-16, French Mirage 2000, European Tornado, British RAF Harriers, and Russia's Mig-29. (www.rmf.pl) A.K.