• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Hungarian Gripen detachment concludes four-month Air Policing mission in Lithuania

NATO Allied Air Command

Nov 28 2025

RAMSTEIN, Germany -- The Hungarian Air Forces conclude their four-month deployment to Šiauliai Air Base, Lithuania, ensuring the protection of Allied airspace over the Baltic region.

The Hungarian detachment has been deployed to Lithuania with four JAS-39C Gripen fighter aircraft, and around 80 personnel, as the lead Air Policing detachment since August, 2025, working alongside the Spanish Air and Space Force Eurofighter Typhoon detachment.

Throughout the rotation, the Hungarian Air Force have operated at a high operational tempo achieved over 370 flight hours. Maintaining NATO's Quick Reaction Alert (QRA), the detachment executed over 20 Alpha scrambles responding to a wide range of air activity near NATO airspace. These missions demonstrated the Allies' vigilance and the continuous availability of NATO airpower.

As Lead Nation, Hungary worked in close cooperation with the Spanish Eurofighter Typhoon detachment also based at Šiauliai and the Italian detachment at Ämari airbase in Estonia. Together, the three Allies ensured a seamless, 24/7 QRA posture, reinforcing the Alliance's collective commitment to deterrence and defence along NATO's eastern flank.

"Our mission in the Baltic skies is more than air policing - it is a daily demonstration of allied unity. As we hand over the watch, we do so knowing that vigilance, readiness, and partnership remain unwavering." Said Lieutenant Colonel Péter TŐSÉR, Hungarian Detachment Commander.

The Gripen fighters participated in several multinational training events, including a Bomber Task Force integration mission over Riga and a Flexible Deterrence Option mission during their fourth Alpha scramble. The detachment also integrated into a Find, Fix, Track and Target (F2T2) dynamic targeting mission, demonstrating the enhanced interoperability with NATO Allied Forces, Additionally, conducted close air support training during Exercise Furious Wolf in northern Estonia, and supported the Baltic Airshow in Degumnieki, Latvia.

The detachment further enhanced its readiness through specialist training during Exercise Baltic Bikini, ensuring aircrew remained fully prepared for operations in the demanding Baltic environment. These activities strengthened interoperability with regional Allies and demonstrated the flexibility of NATO forces.

Hungary's contribution over the past four months reflects its enduring commitment to Allied security and to safeguarding the Baltic region, underscoring the professionalism and readiness of the Hungarian Air Forces. The Air Policing lead responsibility in Lithuania now hands over to the next Spanish detachment already in location.

Hungary's successful mission continues the long-standing Allied effort to ensure safe and secure skies over NATO territory, a core task of the Alliance's integrated Air and Missile Defence under NATO's Eastern Sentry enhanced Vigilance Activity.

Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office