“The current Russian force buildup around Ukraine and in Belarus is unprecedented. NATO and NATO allies will respond to the aggressive Russia’s behavior and adapt the measures of deterrence and defence in our region,” said Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas at a NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission augmentation ceremony at the Lithuanian Air Force Base at Šiauliai on January 28. The Royal Danish Air Force joined the leading Polish air detachment in Lithuania and the augmenting Belgian air detachment in Estonia on the NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission with four additional F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft.
The Polish air detachment and the Belgian air detachment both operate four F-16 fighter aircraft each and have been protecting the Baltic skies since December 2021. NATO allies made the decision to send an augmentation detachment to the NATO Air Policing Mission once again in the context of Russia’s further increased tensions along Ukraine’s borders and with regard to the necessity to strengthen the security of NATO’s eastern allies and to ensure deterrence. On January 26, six U.S. F-15s landed in Estonia to augment the NATO Air Policing mission in the Baltic states as well.
“We are living in uncertain times: Russia continues the large-scale amassing of forces around the Baltic states and near Ukraine. I would like to express gratitude to Denmark for answering our call and responding to the need to augment the air policing capabilities so quickly. Denmark handed over the lead of the mission to Poland just two months ago, and here are the Danish troops in Šiauliai again. We are delighted to know we can trust our allies anytime. The Danish military presence is a sign of steadfast allied unity and collective resolve,” said Minister A. Anušauskas.
The augmentation ceremony was also attended by President of the Republic of Lithuania HE Gitanas Nausėda, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark to Lithuania HE Hans Brask, Commander Force Integration Unit Lithuania Colonel Peter Nielsen, Chief of the Defence Staff of the Lithuanian Armed Forces Brig Gen Mindaugas Steponavičius, Commander Lithuanian Air Force Dainius Guzas, and other guests.
Photo credits: MoD / A.Pliadis.
