Šiauliai-bound reinforcement: the French joins Italy on the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states
Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence
2024-11-26
International cooperation | Security and defense policy
On November 28 a Handover-Takeover ceremony of the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states will take place at the Lithuanian Air Force Base in Šiauliai. The event will be attended by Defence Policy Director at the Ministry of National Defence Vaidotas Urbelis, representatives of the Allied Air Command, Ambassadors of the respective countries, and other guests.
The NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states will be transferred on the arriving contingents of French and Italian airmen. The Italian Air Force personnel with Eurofighter Typhoons will take over from their nationals who have been on the watch for the Baltic airspace for the past four months. Italy's effort will be bolstered by the French Air Force flying the Rafale fighter jets. In total, both Allies will be safeguarding our airspace with eight fighter aircraft.
The Italian Air Force will be contributing its 7th rotation to the mission and the French -- the 8th one.
The detachment which has been in charge of the mission since July is comprised of approx. 150 troops, including the pilots, technical maintenance and medical personnel, support teams, communications and other specialists. Throughout the deployment in Šiauliai the Allies were engaging with the local community, conducted guided tours for pupils and students and took part in city celebrations.
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