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France and Italy Join Forces for NATO Air Policing Mission in Baltic States.
On November 28, the Lithuanian Air Force Base in Šiauliai will host the handover ceremony for NATO's Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states. This event will mark a transition as French and Italian air contingents take over responsibility for securing the region's airspace. The ceremony will bring together high-ranking officials, including Vaidotas Urbelis, Director of Defense Policy at Lithuania's Ministry of National Defense, representatives of NATO's Allied Air Command, ambassadors, and other distinguished guests.
French and Italian air contingents take over responsibility for securing the Batltic Sea's airspace. (Picture source: Lithuanian MoD)
This mission, a cornerstone of NATO's collective defense strategy, will be carried out by the Italian Air Force's Eurofighter Typhoons and the French Air Force's Rafale fighter jets. Together, these two allied forces will deploy a total of eight advanced combat aircraft to patrol and protect Baltic airspace.
The Italian Air Force, now entering its seventh rotation in the Baltic Air Policing Mission, will hand over responsibility to a new Italian detachment to ensure operational continuity. Simultaneously, the French Air Force will commence its eighth rotation, once again demonstrating its commitment to NATO's ongoing efforts to ensure air security in this strategically vital region.
The outgoing detachment, deployed since July, consisted of approximately 150 members, including pilots, technical maintenance teams, medical staff, communication specialists, and other personnel. In addition to their primary mission, the allied forces strengthened ties with the local Lithuanian community by organizing guided tours for students, participating in public events, and celebrating local traditions.
The Eurofighter Typhoons of the Italian Air Force are fourth-generation multirole fighter jets particularly suited for air superiority missions and rapid interception. Featuring a delta-canard design, these aircraft provide exceptional maneuverability and rapid acceleration, essential for securing sensitive airspaces. They are also equipped with advanced AESA radar systems, infrared sensors, and a modular weapon system capable of carrying both air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, making them a key asset for NATO's air-policing missions. The Typhoons have proven their effectiveness in various operational theaters, from peacetime interceptions to high-intensity environments.
The Rafale fighter jets of the French Air Force, meanwhile, represent a state-of-the-art solution for modern armed forces. Designed by Dassault Aviation, the Rafale can perform a wide range of missions, including air defense, strategic interdiction, reconnaissance, and close air support. Equipped with the RBE2 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, the Spectra electronic warfare system, and a suite of integrated sensors, it provides unmatched detection and survivability capabilities. In air policing missions, the Rafale excels in its ability to respond quickly and effectively, thanks to its supersonic speed and diverse arsenal, including MICA, Meteor, and SCALP missiles. Its versatility makes it a critical strategic asset for NATO, ensuring optimal protection of Baltic airspace.
As NATO continues to adapt to an ever-changing security landscape, the sustained commitment of member nations like France and Italy highlights the alliance's unity and responsiveness. This rotation not only guarantees uninterrupted air surveillance over the Baltic states but also reinforces the spirit of collaboration and operational synergy among NATO allies.