Op CHESSMAN: EFASS hangars support RAF & Swedish Air Force

07-04-2025

The RAF has deployed a fleet of Rubb’s EFASS hangars to Poland as part of Operation CHESSMAN, supporting NATO’s enhanced Air Policing mission.

The 20.4m EFASS hangars and a 9.1m ECASS storage structure are all now operational at 22nd Air Base Malbork, supporting the RAF’s Typhoon and Swedish Gripen fighter jets.

Opening gambit

Six RAF Typhoon FGR4 aircraft from RAF Lossiemouth’s II Army Cooperation (AC) Squadron arrived at Malbork on 25th March 2025, supported by 140 Expeditionary Air Wing and a UK C-17 delivering essential freight and equipment.

Each 20.4m hangar was packed into a single 20ft ISO container, ensuring streamlined transportation and rapid setup on arrival.

This RAF detachment in Poland follows 2024’s deployment to Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Romania, which was also supported by Rubb’s EFASS hangars.

The arrival of our Typhoon aircraft here at Malbork marks a proud moment for our team as we prepare to take on this vital NATO mission. It is a privilege to be in Poland, a country with which the United Kingdom shares a long and storied history of friendship and cooperation, that predates the NATO Alliance.”

Commanding Officer of 140 Expeditionary Air Wing
Wing Commander Christopher Jacob

Joint operation

This deployment is a landmark moment for Sweden, as six JAS 39 Gripen aircraft from the Norrbotten Wing Fighter Squadron join the operation.

This is the first time Gripen jets from the Swedish Air Force (SweAF) are operating in an Ally’s territory under NATO command—a historic step since joining the alliance in 2024.

This operation marks another first for Swedish forces. Though the Rubb hangars were deployed by the RAF, the SweAF will be operating aircraft from within the EFASS system for the first time.

To accommodate this, bespoke exhaust adaptions were provided for the Swedish Gripen fighters. The aircraft’s vertical exhaust configuration required adjustments to the standard EFASS setup, which Rubb first developed during a 2024 project with the Lithuanian Air Force to ensure safe jet operation within the hangars.

Building foundations

To meet specific site and operational requirements, Rubb also supplied a concrete ballast solution to allow the hangars to be installed without ground anchors.

Ideal for temporary missions where groundworks are restricted, the ballast arrangement uses specially designed trays that secure concrete block weights to anchor the structures.

This method allows for fast installation, easy reuse, and a lower environmental impact; critical for short-term NATO deployments like CHESSMAN where timescales are tight.

Frontline feedback

These are just two of countless adjustments based on frontline feedback that has made the EFASS into the world’s leading deployable hangar.

Rubb is a company of engineers, and we thrive on the opportunity to put our expertise to work. Whether it’s new NATO air assets or ground condition restraints, we design with the mission in mind.

We’re proud to support 5001 Squadron in their deployment of 20.4m EFASS hangars for Op CHESSMAN. Adapting the structures to accommodate both RAF Typhoons and Swedish Gripens reflects the flexibility of the EFASS system and our commitment to supporting NATO’s rapid deployment capabilities.

Military Project Lead, Rubb UK
Bryan Davis

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