RAMSTEIN, Germany - On 14 March, the Portuguese F-16 jets presently conducting a training and exercise deployment under NATO’s Assurance Measures at Malbork, Poland, took to the skies to conduct joint aerial training activities with German Eurofighter Typhoons in Lithuanian airspace.

 

"The joint training is a great opportunity to work together to further improve our aircrew’s flying skills employing common tactics, techniques and procedures,” said Lieutenant Colonel Joao "Jedi” Rosa, the Portuguese detachment commander who is also a Portuguese F-16 "Vipers" pilot.

The German Eurofighter Typhoon jets are currently augmenting NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission out of Ämari Air Base in Estonia. For the pilots flying with their Portuguese counterparts offers experience to operate alongside and simulate missions against Allies. Events like this help hone interoperability, capabilities and readiness of Allied pilots. Ground crews and support staff also benefit from the joint missions as they have to ensure the jets are ready and responsive 24/7.