Italy assumes NATO Baltic Air Policing mission in Lithuania

Italy has assumed command of NATO's Baltic Air Policing mission at the Air Base in Šiauliai, Lithuania, deploying four Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets. This rotation signifies Italy's sixth time undertaking this responsibility in Šiauliai and its eleventh deployment to the Baltic region, underscoring its commitment to collective defense.

The Italian contingent, comprising approximately 200 personnel, takes over from the French and Romanian air force contingents that have safeguarded the Baltic airspace for the past four months. The mission is a critical component of NATO's air defense strategy, ensuring the security of the Alliance's airspace, especially in the strategically sensitive Baltic states and along the eastern flank.

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The presence of allies in this strategically sensitive NATO region sends a clear message – Alliance forces are where they are needed most, ready to defend every centimeter of NATO territory.

During the ceremony, Lithuania's Deputy Minister of National Defence, Bronius Bieliauskas, emphasized the importance of allied presence in the region. "The presence of allies in this strategically sensitive NATO region sends a clear message – Alliance forces are where they are needed most, ready to defend every centimeter of NATO territory," he stated. He also acknowledged the professional actions of the French and Romanian forces in neutralizing drone threats over Latvia and Estonia during their tenure.

The outgoing French contingent operated four Rafale fighter jets and consisted of about 110 personnel, while the Romanian contingent utilized six F-16 Fighting Falcon jets and comprised around 100 service members. Both contingents were noted for their rapid response to airspace violations, with Romanian forces downing a drone entering Estonian airspace and French forces intercepting one in Latvian airspace. The Italian deployment reinforces NATO's readiness and capability to respond swiftly and decisively to aerial threats in the region.

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French and Romanian air forces served during a period of heightened tension and repeated airspace violations, and their professional actions in neutralizing drone threats over Latvia and Estonia confirmed NATO's ability to respond quickly and decisively.