On 31 July 2026 Air Force Detachments conducting the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states rotated at a Hand Over – Take Over ceremony at the Lithuanian Air Force Base in Šiauliai.
The incoming detachment deployed by Italy with four Eurofighter Typhoon (EF-2000) kicked off its tour of duty as one of the components of the NATO Air Policing Mission safeguarding security of the Alliance’s airspace, in particular, the Baltic airspace on the Eastern Flank.
It took over the mission and tasks from the French Air and Space Force the Romanian Air Force Detachment that have been guarding our airspace for the past four months. Italy has deployed air capabilities to the mission flown from Šiauliai for the sixth time, and for the 11th time in the Baltic states in the overall. The current contingent comprises approx. 200 Italian military personnel.
“Allied presence in this strategically sensitive NATO region sends a clear message: Alliance forces are where they are needed the most and ready to defend every inch of Allied territory. The French and Romanian Allies safeguarded us in the times of rising tensions and repeated airspace violations, while their professionalism in neutralising the drone threats over Latvia and Estonia highlighted the NATO readiness to respond quickly and decisively,” said Vice Minister of National Defence Bronius Bieliauskas at the ceremony.
Vice Minister also underscored that the decision to transition from air policing to air defence agreed on at the NATO Summit in Ankara strengthens the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence, adds flexibility and increases the effectiveness of response to missile, drone and other air threats.
The outgoing French Air and Space Force Detachment was conducting the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states with four Rafale fighter jets and around 110 troops, including pilots, technical and medical personnel, logistic support, communications and other specialist personnel. The outgoing reinforcing Detachment formed by the Romanian Air Force was flying six F-16 Fighting Falcon jets and included approx. 100 members.
While deployed in Šiauliai, personnel of both Detachments actively engaged with the city community, hosted student and pupil tours and contributed in city events, including the National Tree Planting Day in the honour of President Valdas Adamkus on his 100th anniversary and celebration of the national French holiday, Bastille Day, arranged by the French Detachment.
The French and Romanian Detachments displayed distinguished service over their tour of duty in the recent NATO Air Policing Mission expeditiously responding to breaches of the Baltic airspace. The Romanian airmen took down the drone over Estonia and the French Air Detachment neutralised the drone in Latvia’s airspace.
