Siauliai, Lithuania - The Lithuanian Minister of National
Defence, Raimundas Karoblis, met General Tod D. Wolters, Commander Allied Air
Command, in the margins of the Baltic Air Commanders’ Conference on March 22 at
Siauliai Air Base, Lithuania. The Minister reaffirmed Lithuania’s
readiness to host Allied capabilities such as the Air Policing mission Allies conduct
24/7 on a rotational basis over Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
"NATO’s Baltic Air Policing demonstrates
NATO’s resolve and determination to ensure protection across Allied airspace,
including for those Allies that do not have their own Air Policing assets,"
underlined General Wolters.
The General had the opportunity to meet
senior air force leaders of the three Baltic States and Poland as well as the
Nordic States Norway and Partners Finland and Sweden. The participants
discussed the regional security situation, further military cooperation and provided
updates of their respective air force status.
The Air Chiefs’ meeting took place at the Lithuanian Air Force Base in Šiauliai, where, Royal Netherlands Air Force F-16 fighter jets are currently executing the Baltic Air Policing mission.
On March 23, the Commanders of the three Baltic States’ Air Forces will continue deliberations about further opportunities for strengthening trilateral cooperation and the Baltic Air Surveillance Network and Control System (BALTNET).
Story by Lithuanian Ministry of
National Defence