Home  /  Newsroom  /  2021  /  Danish F-16s continue to protect Allied airspace in the Baltic Sea Region

RAMSTEIN, Germany – Allied Danish F-16s have been stationed at Siauliai Air Base, Lithuania since September for Baltic Air Policing (BAP) and will continue the mission until December.

Denmark has four F-16s and 56 service members from Fighter Wing Skrydstrup currently deployed in Siauliai Air Base. Denmark shares the lead nation role at Siauliai with the Portuguese detachment. Danish and Portuguese personnel have worked closely together to ensure the safety of Allied airspace in the Baltic Sea Region. 

We are here to protect Latvia, Estonian and Lithuanian airspace. We expect regular air traffic, but we are prepared to react quickly if threats arise. We are ready to move out 24 hours a day - seven days a week

"We are here to protect Latvia, Estonian and Lithuanian airspace. We expect regular air traffic, but we are prepared to react quickly if threats arise. We are ready to move out 24 hours a day - seven days a week," said Lt Col Niels M. Andersen, Danish Baltic Air Policing Detachment commander.

Denmark has previously sent fighter jets to the Baltics in 2004, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2018 and 2019. This is the 8th time Denmark contributes to the mission and the 7th time Denmark leads the BAP mission. Therefore, the Danish Air Force is familiar with this routine commitment.

The F-16 fighter jets are due to be phased out shortly, and the F-35 is due to take over from the F-16 by 2025. During this period, a break from international missions is planned so the Danish Air Force can focus on the transition from the F-16 to the F-35.

Portuguese and Danish F-16s have been deployed to Siauliai Air Base, Lithuania since September and will remain there until December. Photo courtesy of Portuguese Air Force. 

Danish and Portuguese F-16s have been deployed to Siauliai Air Base, Lithuania since September and will remain there until December. Photo courtesy of Danish Air Force. 

Dansih and Portuguese F-16s make routine intercepts of Russian aircraft flying through the Baltic Sea Region. Photo courtesy of Danish Air Force.