French and Belgian air forces to start patrolling Baltic airspace as part of NATO mission
The air forces of France and Belgium will protect the airspace of the Baltic States with F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters and Mirage 2000 fighters. Previously, the NATO mission was carried out by the Italian Air Force for 4 months.
This was reported by the press service of the Lithuanian Ministry of Defence, Censor.NET citing European Pravda.
The Belgian military deployed in Lithuania will patrol the airspace with four F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters, and the French military - with four Mirage 2000 fighters.
"In the current security environment, Allies' commitment to collective defence is of particular importance. The air policing mission is a demonstration of NATO's solidarity and reliability," said Lithuanian Deputy Defence Minister Žilvinas Tomkus.
According to him, NATO Allies play a key role in ensuring safe skies for the Baltic States and in strengthening deterrence and defence preparedness.
This is the seventh time the Royal Belgian Air Force has participated in NATO's Baltic Air Policing mission. The current Belgian contingent will consist of around 80 personnel, including pilots, technicians, medical personnel, support teams, communications specialists and other specialists.
This is the seventh time the French Air Force has deployed to the Baltic States as part of NATO's air policing mission. Their shift consists of about 100 servicemen from various branches of the armed forces.
