On November 28 a Handover-Takeover ceremony of the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states will take place at the Lithuanian Air Force Base in Šiauliai. The event will be attended by Defence Policy Director at the Ministry of National Defence Vaidotas Urbelis, representatives of the Allied Air Command, Ambassadors of the respective countries, and other guests.
The NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states will be transferred on the arriving contingents of French and Italian airmen. The Italian Air Force personnel with Eurofighter Typhoons will take over from their nationals who have been on the watch for the Baltic airspace for the past four months. Italy’s effort will be bolstered by the French Air Force flying the Rafale fighter jets. In total, both Allies will be safeguarding our airspace with eight fighter aircraft.
The Italian Air Force will be contributing its 7th rotation to the mission and the French – the 8th one.
The detachment which has been in charge of the mission since July is comprised of approx. 150 troops, including the pilots, technical maintenance and medical personnel, support teams, communications and other specialists. Throughout the deployment in Šiauliai the Allies were engaging with the local community, conducted guided tours for pupils and students and took part in city celebrations.
Media advisory
The ceremony may be covered only by registered media, the registration is open until 12.00 hrs of November 27 at [email protected] (Please indicate your name, surname, media outlet, e-mail address and cell phone no.).
Foreign media representatives and freelance reporters need an accreditation issued by the Ministry of National Defence. Please fill out the form to obtain it https://kam.lt/en/ministry-of-national-defence-of-the-republic-of-lithuania-accreditation-form/
Registered media representatives ae invited to arrive at the Air Base in Šiauliai on November 28, Thursday, until 10.40 a.m. (Air Base gates at the end of R. Stankevičius street (https://maps.app.goo.gl/iaVHc2pd5v5Ko1Dm6).
