“NATO air capabilities are providing airspace security over the Baltics. It is a critical element of defence, we can see it now clearer than ever before. The security environment in the region is deteriorating, so we highly value the NATO response to the changed situation. We are particularly grateful for reinforcing the Baltic Air Policing capabilities in the Eastern flank of NATO. The NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic region remains more vital than ever,” said Vice Minister of National Defence Margiris Abukevičius. On March 31 he attended the NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission hand over – take over ceremony at the Lithuanian Air Force Base at Šiauliai.
As of today, the Polish and Danish Air Detachments were replaced by Spanish troops who will protect the Baltic airspace flying patrols in eight F-18 Hornets for four coming months. Five Czech Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighte aircraft will augment their mission.
Chief of Staff of Headquarters Allied Air Command at Ramstein Maj Gen Jörg Lebert underscored the critical importance of allied actions. “Europe is facing the largest-scale military aggression in recent decades. NATO displays an unwavering security and defence commitment and highlights the lasting unity of the Allies. We have responded to the aggressive Russian incursion into Ukraine by heightening our readiness and vigilance event more. The Allies are maintaining on high alert approx. 130 combat aircraft on standby – that is a strong signal of Alliance capacity and readiness to protect and defend each inch of our territory,” said General J. Lebert.
The NATO Air Policing Mission is also enhanced by the French and the Belgian Air Forces with four Mirage 2000-5 and four F-16 Fighting Falcon, respectively, deployed in Estonia.
NATO Allies first deployed air personnel and assets to patrol the Baltic airspace in March 2004 when Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia became members of NATO. 14 NATO allies have provided security to the Baltic skies incessantly since then.
Photo credits: A. Gedrimas
