Mirosławiec 2015-03-14
12 Base of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles named Brig. Gen. pil. Jerzy Piłate.
From 2015.
After the ferrying of Suchoj Su-22 planes from Mirosławiec to Świdwin, the airport in Mirosławiec was only the 12th Airport Command and was a backup airport for planes based in nearby Świdwin. As the Polish Army adopted a new technique in the form of unmanned aerial vehicles, the airport in Mirosławiec was selected as their stationing place. In this way, the 12th Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Base was established. Preparations for the formation of a new unit started already in 2015. In the period from January 1, 2016 to May 31, 2020, the Base was commanded by Col. pil. Łukasz Andrzejewski – Popow. From June 1, 2020, pursuant to Decision No. 1220 of May 27, 2020, of the Minister of National Defense, the Base is commanded by Col. Marcin Szubiński.
The 12th Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Base in Mirosławiec was established on the basis of the 12th Airport Headquarters and an air reconnaissance squadron. The first Commander of the Base was Col. pil. Łukasz Andrzejewski – Popow. The base is intended for the stationing of the long, medium and short range UAVs, as well as the operational "MALE". Operationally it is under the 1st Tactical Aviation Wing. The tasks of the unit include; acquiring, collecting, processing and distributing relevant military information to military – political factors. Both in times of peace, crisis and war. It works for the benefit of the Republic of Poland and its NATO allies.
Main tasks 12. BBSP: Conducting reliable IMINT / SAR image recognition and SIGINT electronic recognition. Conducting the analysis of the obtained reconnaissance information and its distribution to political and military decision-makers. Indicating goals and supporting the targeting and weaponering process with the implementation of air and shock tasks. Maintaining constant combat readiness and mobilization readiness, consisting in ensuring a certain number of soldiers, resulting from the given category and the completion rates, as well as technical efficiency of armaments and military equipment, as well as the standard size of stocks of combat and material assets. Keeping the mobilization system for the expansion of the base ready for operation, ensuring the achievement of the required level of combat capability for the period of threat and war. Maintaining the capacity of the allocated forces and resources to participate in peace-keeping missions of international organizations and other activities within the framework of allied obligations. Preparation of separated forces to participate in rescue operations and liquidation of the effects of accidents, catastrophes and natural disasters. Preparation and maintenance of the command and communication system of the base subunits in constant efficiency and implementation of undertakings ensuring their safety. Training of professional, contract and Territorial Defense Forces soldiers in the field of tactical, combat, specialized, general and supplementary training. Implementing the education process as well as shaping and strengthening the morale and discipline of base soldiers. Implementation of projects related to the protection of classified information as well as the protection and defense of military facilities.
In 2016, the base had an Air Reconnaissance Squadron equipped with BSR "Orbiter" and "Aerostar".
By decision No. 238 / MON of July 25, 2016, the recognition badge of the 12th Base of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Mirosławiec was introduced.
Since 2014, every year, on the first Saturday of September, the Aviation Festival in Mirosławiec has been organized. The festival is associated with the individual’s festival, which is celebrated on September 4. The festival is open to the public and is often dubbed "The Day of the Open Barracks". The arriving guests are always greeted by the unit commander. At the festival, aircrafts are presented in a stator and in the air; planes, helicopters and UAV. Parachute jumpers present themselves in the air. There are always reconstruction groups. Games and competitions are organized for children and adolescents. There are souvenir stands and gastronomy. There is a ceremonial collection of soldiers, combined with awards and promotions, as well as a parade.
The entrance to the dedicated parking space on the premises of BBSP was through the main gate from the side of road No. 177 Mirosławiec – Czaplinek. Distance from the road No. 177 to the entrance gate 2.5 km. At the exit from the road No. 10 Mirosławiec – Wałcz, there were direction signs and "Traffic regulation" designated by the 12th BBSP.
Written by Karol Placha Hetman