President Karol Nawrocki officially appointed Major General Ireneusz Nowak as the new Operational Commander of the Polish Armed Forces on Tuesday, June 2, succeeding General Maciej Klisz.
A Succession in Leadership
Major General Ireneusz Nowak has been named the new Operational Commander of the Polish Armed Forces. He succeeds General Maciej Klisz, who is set to assume the prestigious position of Chief of Staff at the NATO-JFC Brunssum command in the Netherlands this July. The President thanked General Klisz for his service during the official ceremony at the Presidential Palace.
Military Direction and National Sovereignty
During the ceremony, President Nawrocki emphasized the need for officers dedicated to a free and sovereign Poland, rejecting communist-era tendencies to look toward Moscow. He stressed the importance of strengthening Poland’s position within NATO and deepening ties with the United States. The President noted that Nowak’s international experience and commitment to the Polish-American alliance are vital for national security.
Profile of a Master Pilot
General Ireneusz Nowak is a highly experienced pilot with over 3,500 flight hours, including 2,500 in F-16 fighter jets. His distinguished career includes roles such as commander of the 2nd Tactical Aviation Wing and leadership in implementing the F-16, FA-50, and F-35 aircraft programs. He holds a doctorate in social sciences and is a graduate of the US Air Force School of Advanced Air and Space Studies.
Operational Command Responsibilities
The Operational Commander is one of the three most senior officers in the Polish military, alongside the Chief of the General Staff and the General Commander. This role, which requires the consensus of the Ministry of National Defence, the Prime Minister, and the President, involves commanding forces guarding the eastern border, airspace, and overseas contingents.
Continuing Flight Duties
Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed the appointment, stating that General Nowak will be permitted to continue active flight duties alongside his new command responsibilities. Kosiniak-Kamysz underscored that the General’s expertise as an instructor and his role in modernizing the Polish Air Force are assets that must be preserved in the cockpit.