CONSTANTA, Romania - Four British Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft returned to Romania on Monday, April 23, 2018, to continue NATO’s enhanced Air Policing mission in the Black Sea region from May until September.
The Royal British Air Force will be flying in partnership with Romanian MiG-21 LanceR aircraft out of Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base near Constanta in southeast Romania.
"This is an important role for us that will build upon the success of last year’s mission to help to secure NATO airspace in the Black Sea region,” said Wing Commander Chris Ball, commander of the British detachment.
While the Romanian Air Force is fully capable of protecting its airspace, enhanced Air Policing (eAP) is part of the Alliance’s Assurance Measures for Eastern Allies introduced in 2014. Under NATO Allied Air Command control, tactically delivered by their Combined Air Operations Centre Torrejon, Spain, this deployment is a clear demonstration of the ability to fully exploit and integrate Allied Air Power.
Besides conducting NATO’s Air Policing mission at home, the RAF has also previously deployed Typhoons to the Baltic States in recent years to protect NATO airspace in the region. This is the second time RAF Typhoon aircraft fly sorties and training missions alongside the Romanian MiG-21 fighters showcasing Allied solidarity, commitment and capability.
Story based on information provided by the Royal Air Force