France, Germany, Turkey deployed fighter jets to NATO eastern flank for air policing

Europe, News December 6, 2023 , by IRIA No Comments

France, Germany, and Turkiye’s fighter jets joined Poland and Belgium for NATO air policing operations on the Alliance’s eastern flank in December 2023.

According to the NATO statement, the fighter jets’ deployment demonstrates NATO states’ commitment to support each other and support the collective defense of the military alliance. The mission is a critical component of NATO’s defense and aimed at observing and safeguarding Allied airspace over the Eastern flank.

NATO’s acting Spokesperson Dylan White welcomed the Allies’ deployment of additional fighter jets to NATO’s air policing missions and said “These deployments are a demonstration of capability and resolve to protect our people and territories”.

“In the wake of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, this is more important than ever. NATO air forces remain ready to respond to any threat from any direction,” he added.

Four German Eurofighters joined by four Turkish F-16 fighter jets will work alongside the Romanian Air Force in the Black Sea region and guard the skies over Romania. They are supported by a French “MAMBA” surface-based air defense system deployed at Capu Midia.

France’s four Mirage 2000-5 jets will join the Belgian Air Force’s F-16 aircraft to protect NATO airspace out of Šiauliai Air Base, Lithuania in the Baltic region. The fleet would be supported by four Polish F-16 jets flying out of Ämari Air Base in Estonia, while Italy will continue its deployment of four F-35s to Malbork Airbase in Poland into 2024.

*^{German aircraft during the Baltic air policing mission. (Image Credit: NATO)}*

NATO’s statement highlighted that the Alliance has substantially reinforced its air defenses in the eastern part of the Alliance amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. NATO’s deployment includes fighter jets, surveillance flights, and ground-based air defenses.

Each year on average, NATO fighter jets intercept several hundred Russian military jets near Allied airspace. “Russian jets often approach NATO airspace without using transponders, communicating with air traffic control,” the statement added.

NATO Air Policing is a permanent peacetime mission of the Alliance. It is conducted within the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) framework and under the responsibility of the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR). The air policing missions demonstrate unity among Allies and ensure the integrity of the airspace of member states.