Ramstein, Germany – On the 27 March, 2025, Four Romania F-16 fighter jets arrived in Šiauliai, Lithuania, as they prepare to take over NATO’s Air Policing mission from the French and Italian detachments.
The Romanian Air Force will be supported by the deployment of around 100 Military personnel as they take on NATO's Air policing mission alongside a detachment of Polish F-16 fighters. The addition of a second detachment at Šiauliai allows for more flexible operational planning of NATO Air Policing in the region.
The handover from the French and Italian Air Force was marked with a ceremony in Šiauliai on 31 March, 2025, attended by Lieutenant General Thorsten Poschwatta, Commander Combined Air Operations Centre Uedem.
Our mission is clear: to safeguard the security and integrity of Baltic airspace
“The Carpathian Vipers Detachment of the Romanian Air Force is executing enhanced Air Policing missions in Lithuania from April to July 2025. Our mission is clear: to safeguard the security and integrity of Baltic airspace”, said Colonel Vasile Petrea, Romanian Detachment Commander. Adding “Operating under NATO command and in close cooperation with our Polish and Portuguese allies, we stand as a testament to allied unity and unwavering commitment to peace and collective defence.”
The Romanian Air Force will be supported by a detachment of around 100 Military personnel. Photo courtesy of the Romanian Air Force.
This deployment makes the third time Romania have led NATO's Air Policing mission from Šiauliai, Lithuania. Photo courtesy of the Romanian Air Force.
Four Romania F-16 fighter jets have arrived in Šiauliai, Lithuania, to take on NATO's Air Policing Mission. Photo courtesy of the Romanian Air Force.
This most recent deployment makes the third time Romania have led NATO's Air Policing mission from Šiauliai, Lithuania. They first deployed in 2007 with the MiG-21, and returned to the Baltic Sea region in 2023 with the F-16 fighter jets. This deployment is a clear demonstration of Romania’s commitment to regional security.
Romania will see an uplift in F-16’s throughout 2025, allowing for the formation of two new squadrons of the sophisticated multirole combat aircraft, ensuring they continue to meet NATO’s strategic objectives.
NATO's Air Policing mission stands as a cornerstone of the Alliance's commitment to maintaining the integrity and security of NATO airspace. This collective defence initiative ensures that even member countries without their own air defence capabilities are protected under NATO's unified command.
With the posture of Romanian and Polish fighter jets, NATO has a robust air capability in place that sends a clear signal to potential adversaries of the Allies’ collective readiness and commitment to preserving territorial integrity.