Belgian Air Force takes over Baltic air policing mission in Lithuania

On the 31st of August the Belgian Air Fore has assumed the lead role for NATO's Baltic Air Policing from the Portuguese Air Force and replaced the Spanish Air Force at Šiauliai, Lithuania. The handover ceremony took place at the Lithuanian Air Base on Friday(Aug 31st).

Servicemen from the Belgian Air Force, together with four F-16 Fighting Falcon multirole fighter jets, will be deployed to the Nato Baltic air policing mission in Lithuania for the fourth time. The Lithuanian Vice Minister of National Defence Mr. Vytautas Umbrasas gave a speeh in which he said;
"This ceremony each time reminds us that the Alliance is a truly effective and credible organization. This Air Policing mission is a brilliant example of solidarity among NATO members."

The country has participated in three air policing missions that were carried out to ensure the security of the Nato eastern boarders from Estonia. The mission in the Baltic region will be supported and strengthened by the German Air Force contingent deployed in Estonia, together with four Eurofighter Typhoon fighter aircraft.

Welcoming the Belgian detachment, Italian Air Force Major General Claudio Gabellini underlined that NATO remains a strong and defensive Alliance safeguarding the skies over the Allies and constantly increasing manifold multi-domain options through steadfast commitment, training and cohesion.