Baltic Air Policing

Baltic Air Policing
Name	Baltic Air Policing
Start date	2004
End date	ongoing
Location	Baltic states

Baltic Air Policing is a NATO mission that provides air defense for the Baltic states, including Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The mission is led by the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), with support from Allied Air Command (AIRCOM). The operation involves fighter aircraft from various NATO member states, including the United States Air Force (USAF), Royal Air Force (RAF), and German Air Force (Luftwaffe). The mission is based at Šiauliai International Airport in Lithuania and Ämari Air Base in Estonia, with support from Amari Air Base and Lielvārde Air Base.

Introduction

The Baltic Air Policing mission is an example of NATO's commitment to the defense of its member states, as outlined in the North Atlantic Treaty and the Washington Treaty. The mission is also supported by the European Union (EU), which has a Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) that includes cooperation with NATO on defense issues. The Baltic states have also developed their own defense cooperation, including the Baltic Defence College and the Baltic Battalion group. The mission has involved cooperation with other NATO operations, including the Operation Active Endeavour and the Operation Ocean Shield. The United States European Command (EUCOM) and the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) have also played a key role in supporting the mission.

History

The Baltic Air Policing mission was established in 2004, following the accession of the Baltic states to NATO in 2002. The mission was initially led by the Belgian Air Component, with support from the Danish Air Force and the Norwegian Air Force. Since then, the mission has involved rotations of fighter aircraft from various NATO member states, including the United States Air Force (USAF), Royal Air Force (RAF), and German Air Force (Luftwaffe). The mission has also involved cooperation with other NATO operations, including the Operation Allied Force and the Operation Unified Protector. The NATO-Russia Council has also played a role in supporting the mission, with meetings between NATO and Russia to discuss defense issues. The European Defence Agency (EDA) has also supported the mission, with a focus on developing the defense capabilities of the Baltic states.

Operations

The Baltic Air Policing mission involves the deployment of fighter aircraft to Šiauliai International Airport in Lithuania and Ämari Air Base in Estonia. The aircraft are tasked with providing air defense for the Baltic states, including Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The mission involves cooperation with the Estonian Air Force, the Latvian Air Force, and the Lithuanian Air Force, as well as with other NATO member states. The NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force (NAEW&CF) has also supported the mission, with the deployment of Boeing E-3 Sentry aircraft. The United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) has also played a key role in supporting the mission, with the deployment of F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft.

Participating Nations

The Baltic Air Policing mission has involved participation from a number of NATO member states, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Italy. Other participating nations have included Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and the Netherlands. The mission has also involved cooperation with other NATO member states, including Canada, Poland, and Romania. The Czech Air Force and the Hungarian Air Force have also participated in the mission. The Slovak Air Force and the Bulgarian Air Force have also supported the mission, with the deployment of MiG-29 aircraft.

Aircraft and Equipment

The Baltic Air Policing mission has involved the deployment of a range of fighter aircraft, including the F-15 Eagle, the F-16 Fighting Falcon, and the Eurofighter Typhoon. The mission has also involved the deployment of transport aircraft, including the C-130 Hercules and the A400M Atlas. The NATO member states have also deployed a range of air defense systems, including the Patriot missile and the MEADS system. The AWACS aircraft have also supported the mission, with the deployment of Boeing E-3 Sentry aircraft.

Incidents and Interceptions

The Baltic Air Policing mission has involved a number of incidents and interceptions, including the interception of Russian Air Force aircraft. The mission has also involved cooperation with the Russian Federation to prevent incidents and ensure the safety of air traffic. The NATO-Russia Council has also played a role in supporting the mission, with meetings between NATO and Russia to discuss defense issues. The European Union (EU) has also supported the mission, with a focus on developing the defense capabilities of the Baltic states. The Baltic states have also developed their own defense cooperation, including the Baltic Defence College and the Baltic Battalion group. The United States European Command (EUCOM) and the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) have also played a key role in supporting the mission.

Category:Baltic states