On 3 September Vice-Minister of National Defence Vytautas Umbrasas and Chief of Defence of Lithuania Major General Valdemaras Rupšys with the Commander of NATO’s Allied Air Command General Jeffrey Lee Harrigian discussed issues of air policing, air defense, and exercises in the Baltic region.
Vice-Minister of National Defence V. Umbrasas was pleased by the constructive meeting and effective continued co-operation. “At the meeting we not only discussed current issues, successful air force exercises and missions, but also agreed on plans for future cooperation,” said the Vice-Minister.
Gen J. L. Harrigian, Vice- Minister of National Defence and the Chief of Defence of Lithuania on 3 September attended NATO Baltic Air Policing mission contingents’ changeover ceremony at the Air Base of the Lithuanian Air Force in Šiauliai. Belgian contingent took over the lead of the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission from Hungary and the Spanish troops who had been augmenting the mission were replaced by a contingent from Denmark.
NATO Allied Air Command is providing NATO Air Policing capability in peace time to safeguard NATO Allies’ airspace. The planning, command and coordination of tasks are carried out by two Combined Air Operations Centers in Uedem (Germany) and Torrejon (Spain). The center in Germany is providing an Air Policing capability to safeguard NATO airspace in the Baltic Region.
Photos by Antanas Gedrimas
