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Air detachments conducting the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states changed over: Spain starts its 70th rotation

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence

2025-11-27
International cooperation | Security and defense policy

November 27, air force detachments conducting the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states changed over at a Hand Over-Take Over at the Air Force Base in Šiauliai. The 70th anniversary rotation will be flown by the Spanish Air and Space Force Detachment with eight Eurofighter Typhoon fighter aircraft. Four of those will be dedicated for air policing tasks and the remaining will man the Rotational NATO Air Defence Model.

At the ceremony, the Hungarian and the Spanish detachments who had conducted the 69th mission were bid farewell. They were safeguarding the Baltic airspace with four Hungarian Gripens and eight Spanish Eurofighter Typhoons for the past four months. The 69th mission was conducted by approx.300 troops: pilots, technicians, medical personnel, support groups, specialists of communications, logistics, and more areas. The troops actively engaged with the community, hosted student and pupil guided tour and attended Šiauliai City events during the deployment.

The NATO Air Policing Mission and the Rotational Air Defence Model are cornerstone to security and defence in our region. It is imperative to strengthen air defence against the full spectrum of threats in the current security environment. We are grateful to the Spanish and Hungarian air detachments for your consistent contribution and dedicated service, especially with the increasingly frequent airspace violations of the recent months. Their presence in the Baltic states is a clear expression of allied solidarity and resolve to defend the eastern flank of NATO. As we welcome the Spanish detachment incoming to take charge of the mission, we hope to continue keeping the Baltic airspace safe through joint effort,

said Vice Minister Tomas Godliauskas at the ceremony.

The Spanish Air and Space Force will be conducting the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states for the 10th time.

NATO Allies began deploying capabilities to safeguard the Baltic airspace in March 2004 when Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia became members of NATO. Since then, 17 Allies have ensured security of the Baltic airspace so far.