Polish, Romanian NATO Forces Begin Baltic Air Patrol
Poland and Romania will take over the NATO air policing mission in the Baltic States from the Lithuanian airbase in Siauliai on 31 March, the press service of the Lithuanian Ministry of Defence reports.
The ministry said that the Polish and Romanian military replaced the Italian and French air forces, using F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets to carry out the mission.
This is the thirteenth time the Polish Air Force has participated in NATO's Baltic Air Policing mission. The current Polish contingent consists of about 140 servicemen, including pilots, technicians, medics, support, communications and other specialists.
This is the third time the Romanian Air Force has deployed to the Baltic States as part of this mission. The Romanian contingent includes about 110 servicemen of various specialities.
NATO began deploying troops and fighter jets to protect Baltic airspace in March 2004, following the accession of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia to the Alliance. Since then, 17 NATO member states have participated in the mission.
From 10 to 16 March, NATO fighter jets flew three times to intercept Russian aircraft in Baltic airspace.
In late February, French Rafale fighter jets intercepted two Russian aircraft off the coast of Latvia.
Read more: Baltic Nations Prepare for War with Russia