INFO : Poland

[SuperPole]

Info for anyone heading out to Poland later this year.. Obviously, a new law brought in in light of what is happening just over the border, plus there was a recent case of some Russians caught around one of the bases.

As of April 2025, a new law took effect, prohibiting photographing and recording without permission strategic facilities such as: military facilities, seaports, heating plants, power plants, railway installations, airports, railway stations. The photography ban covers all methods of recording, photographing and filming both from the ground and from the air. Penalty for this is up to 20k or imprisonment! Camera equipment will be confiscated.

And then another post on an aviation list, from 14/06/2025:

I attended the 100th Anniversary of the Polish Air Academy Piknik at Deblin AFB today, the event was free but no cameras or optics were allowed on the base! A 2hr queue then a quick walk back to the car to drop the camera and telescope off, then finally managed to get in.

Just for info the Polish government have implemented a law regarding photography of "objects of national significance" if caught photographing in areas with signs you can have the camera equipment confiscated and fined, plenty of signs are up around the perimeter of the base. I will be visiting the museum again next month and will email them prior ref the photo regs.

But photography of the Ukrainian Il76's is a definite NO!, the 6 still present.

So, from the above post, they were even stopping people taking optics and cameras into an open day!

I wonder what they are going to do at Radom in August?

[Gary]

F-16 demo team posted some info last month

https://www.facebook.com/F16tigerdemoteampoland

Dear friends,

Before you look to the skies again, let us clear up a few doubts and answer questions that are more and more frequently arising around the topic of banning taking photographs of military objects.
In accordance with applicable laws: a military facility is not only territory and buildings, but also all installations, equipment, and even persons and activities belonging to or managed by the army. This means that also a personnel, car, tank or military aircraft standing on the airport plate, wheeling, or even in the air above a military unit - can be treated as a part of such a facility.
BUT - and this is good news - when the plane is outside the unit's territory, e.g. during air shows or flyovers, his photography does not violate the ban on military objects.
Despite everything, it's worth to remember a few rules to avoid getting into unnecessary trouble:

1. Where are youuuu !!!

It is not forbidden to stay near a military base. It's clear - many public roads, homes or workplaces are adjacent to these units.
However, photographing the base area, infrastructure, equipment or aircraft movements from this place - can already be a violation of the law.
What's more, the ordinance precisely states that the ban on photography applies to all military objects marked with relevant information boards.
The entire area of the base - including the fence - is marked with such signs, which means that the ban is in full force.
No need to guess – just look at the blackboard.
Therefore, people located directly next to the fences of the units, with a phone or a camera in hand, can be checked by the security services. It's not malice - it's standard preventive measures under military safety laws.

2. What do you get in the frame?
You may want to capture only an aircraft, but if a fence, ground equipment, hangar or military infrastructure appears in the background, such a photo will already be a violation of the laws. So let's pay attention not only to what's in front of the lens, but also what's behind it.

3. Context of the event:
At air shows involving the military, the situation is clear - depending on the decision of the organizer, photography is allowed and even welcomed. It's a form of promotion and dialogue with you - our viewers. This is why shows are the best time to capture military machines.
What about the recent incident?

Let's refer for a moment to the loud situation described by e-recognition. We know that these types of stories evoke emotions. And although the media likes to add a dramatic tone to them, it's worth to focus on facts:

• Is there a patrol on duty? - Yes.

• Was he armed? - Yes. And it's good he was - armament is not a sign of danger, and standard equipment of a soldier on duty.
• Has anyone ever used a gun? - Nope.

• Has the photographer been informed about the ban? - Yes.

The intervention was calm and in accordance with procedures. Her goal was not to "intimidate civilians" but to remind them about the laws and protection of a military unit.
Taken from a life...

Despite the ban - also regarding our training information, so we feel complicit in the situation - people with phones and cameras appear around the unit. And here's the problem: from the outside, it's hard to tell if someone is photographing an aircraft in flight or if they're aiming towards the base with a lens.
This puts our security services in a very uncomfortable position. Because when safety is on the line, there's no room for guesswork.
What's important is that we know the relationship from both sides. We are addressed by both observers, who stand on Ozarowska Street and only want to watch, as well as those who report disturbing behavior towards the base.

And this is why searching for sensation in the laws that are in place is absolutely unnecessary. These are not decisions "for the audience" but rules that we all must follow - for common safety.
If these types of situations repeat, unfortunately, we may be forced to stop publishing information about training times or starts. And no one would want that - because the transparency that we have built with you is very important to us.

'But last year... ”
We know what you're thinking - "Last year there were shows, there were trainings, you could photograph everything that happened at the airport!" ”
We agree with that. As much as we admit, we have enjoyed looking at your photos, your unique frames, your relationships. This was truly uplifting.
But today the situation is different. The new regulations are clear and apply to everyone – both us and you.
That's why we ask for understanding and respect these principles. It's not a matter of lack of trust - it's simply a necessity, resulting from current guidelines and realities.
Lastly straight from the heart:

We want to continue sharing our passion with you. We want you to know when we fly, where and when we train.
But please - give us the basics so we can do this without fear. Respect the rules, don't take chances. And if you really want to take a good photo - we'll see you at the shows!
Till what? Let's enjoy the sound and sight of F-16 flying overhead.
Sometimes without a camera. Always - with admiration and heart.
Regards and see you later,
Slab

[Malcy]

Thanks for sharing.

Stay safe everyone, in these times of very heightened tensions.

[Thunder]

Worth mentioning that there has been recent instances in both Greece and Cyprus where people seen lurking around military installations have been detained and charged under various terrorism and espionage laws.

[RobinM]

I know that Aviation Enthusiasts have always been an extra layer of security around UK airfields but maybe the time will come when such bans exist around the UK depending on the level of involvement of UK based military assets supporting mission outside of the UK. Having anyone hanging around the perimeter fence may no longer be acceptable but maybe dedicated viewing areas such as the one at Lakenheath would be able to remain. Just food for thought this Sunday afternoon.

[22A]

As the OP mentioned railway installations and stations, I looked on a railway enthusiasts forum and found this;
https://notesfrompoland.com/2025/04/15/ ... urity-law/

The locations now have to be clearly marked with 60x60cm signs showing crossed-out cameras and a smartphone with “photography prohibited” written in Polish, English, German, Russian and Arabic. The signs must be visible and placed at intervals of no less than 300 metres.

[Finty]

I’ve heard about the signs appearing at certain depots but otherwise for trainspotters it seems to be business as usual. I’m out there from 2nd July for a few days and will see what the deal is (trainspotting but been told I might be able to see F-16s and Hips)

[Unknown74]

Would it not be an idea to get in touch with the relevant authorities to make sure what the latest position is regarding current situations? I'm aware of the situation with the part of the World this is in.

[RunAndBreak]

We may well have to get used to it.

With the antics of 'others' who I shall leave unnamed...and a review of base security underway, I hope we do not see a return of the 'ladders 3 meters back from the fence'