German Eurofighters escort Russian jets near Latvia in NATO mission
6:59 AM EST, March 2, 2024
The German Eurofighters took off from the Lielvarde base in Latvia with the specific mission of escorting two Russian military aircraft flying closely to Latvian airspace over the Baltic Sea.
Scramble occurs a day after arrival
This information was confirmed by the Allied Air Command on Saturday.
Beginning on Friday, the German air forces embarked on a mission as part of the NATO Baltic Air Policing, based out of Lielvarde, Latvia. Germany took up the mantle from Polish forces for this mission.
On February 26, five German Eurofighter planes landed at the Latvian base in Lielvarde. The following morning, two of them were deployed to escort Russian military aircraft flying over the international waters of the Baltic, near the territorial waters of Latvia. Upon completing their mission, the German Eurofighters returned to the base.
Col. Viesturs Masulis, the commander of the Latvian air forces, stated: - The first scramble of German Eurofighters from the Lielvarde base showcases NATO's readiness and commitment to deterrence and, if needed, defense of allied airspace. We are constantly vigilant of potential threats to our territory and remain prepared 24/7.
NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission
An official welcome for the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission is scheduled for Saturday in Lielvarde, marking the first time Latvia is hosting this mission. The mission's transfer to Latvia for nine months is due to renovations at the Estonian base in Amari.
The NATO Baltic Air Policing mission is tasked with patrolling the airspace over Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. It has been operational since 2004, following these countries' accession to NATO. Aircraft for this mission are deployed from air bases in Šiauliai, Lithuania, and Amari, Estonia.
