NATO air forces relocate from Latvia to strengthen Estonian base
The increased presence of NATO air forces in Latvia, which for the past nine months carried out tasks as part of the rotational Baltic Air Policing mission, has ended. They will now be relocated to the Estonian base in Ämari near Tallinn.
"We have proven we are capable of conducting such operations. The NATO patrol mission strengthens the protection of the Baltic airspace, regardless of where the aircraft are stationed," said Latvian Defence Minister Andris Spruds.
End of Baltic Air Policing in Latvia
Latvia hosted NATO air forces for the first time in response to renovation work at the Estonian base in Ämari near Tallinn. So far, fighter jets belonging to NATO allies have been alternately stationed between this Estonian base and Lithuania's Šiauliai.
Starting in the spring, a German air force unit operated in Latvia for the past nine months. It consisted of five Eurofighter jets and several hundred soldiers. From December this year, monitoring the Baltic airspace will be handed over to the Dutch squadron, which will operate from Estonia using F-35 fighters.
The most advanced NATO fighters
The serious approach to the Baltic Air Policing mission is evidenced by using the most advanced and best NATO fighter jets, including the Eurofighter and the F-35. The latter is a nearly 16-metre-long aircraft built with stealth technology. The F-35 is capable of electronic warfare and carrying conventional weapons such as missiles and bombs. Poland is also awaiting the delivery of such aircraft.
As revealed in a statement from the Latvian Ministry of Defence, between March and November, NATO air units stationed in Latvia were called to take off from the base in Lielvārde more than fifty times.
"At the same time, considering the increasing frequency of NATO airspace violations, it is necessary to support the continued presence of allies in Latvia by increasing deterrent activities and introducing an active model of NATO air defence rotation," added Andris Spruds.
The Baltic Air Policing mission has been continuously carried out for 20 years since Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, which do not have their own air forces, joined NATO in 2004.
