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RAMSTEIN, Germany – United States Air Forces F-35 jets have landed at Ämari Air Base, Estonia in support of NATO's Air Shielding mission on the Alliance's eastern flank, June 6.

Air Shielding offers an agile solution, although currently focused on NATO's eastern flank it retains the flexibility to orientate towards any emerging threat

The F-35s currently based in Spangdahlem, Germany joined other Allied fighters from France and Belgium currently deployed at Ämari Air Base who are taking part in NATO's Air Policing and conducting air patrols over the Baltic Sea region. This activity enhances the security of NATO airspace ensuring a robust and integrated shield for Allied territory and contributing to the deterrence and defence of the Euro-Atlantic area.

A U.S. Air Force aircraft maintainer performs post-flight checks on a U.S. Air Force F-35 at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Archive image courtesy: Sgt Maeson Elleman

U.S. Air Force F-35s have joined Allies France and Belgium in Estonia enhancing the security of NATO airspace and ensuring a robust and integrated shield for Allied territory. Archive image courtesy: Airman Edgar Grimaldo

U.S. Air Force F-35s from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany have landed at Ämari Air Base, Estonia in support of NATO's Air Shielding mission. Photo Courtesy: USAFE

"The F-35 is an incredibly capable and versatile aircraft. Operating alongside the other Allied nations in the Baltics they are maintaining the integrity of the European airspace and directly contributing to the NATO Air Shielding Mission," said Lieutenant General Pascal Delerce, Deputy Commander Allied Air Command. "In support of the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) system, Air Shielding offers an agile solution, although currently focused on NATO's eastern flank it retains the flexibility to orientate towards any emerging threat," he added.

The NATO Air Shielding mission integrates Allied air and Surface-Based Air and Missile Defence units into the NATO IAMD system under NATO Command and Control. It will provide a near seamless shield from the Baltic to the Black Sea, ensuring NATO Allies are better able to safeguard and protect Alliance territory, populations and forces from air and missile threat.