Poland and Romania Take Charge of NATO’s Air Policing Mission in the Baltics

Poland and Romania have taken over the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic region. Stationing four F-16 fighter jets each at Lithuania’s Šiauliai Air Base, these two nations are now tasked with safeguarding the skies above Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The Lithuanian Ministry of Defence expressed gratitude to Italy and France for their steadfast protection of the airspace until this point, underscoring the cooperative spirit that defines NATO operations. The NATO Air Policing Mission is a cornerstone of peacetime defense efforts, ensuring the security and integrity of Allied skies. This collective endeavor involves maintaining a constant presence—24 hours a day, 365 days a year—of combat-ready aircraft and crews capable of responding swiftly to potential airspace violations. Beyond its primary role as a deterrent against unauthorized or hostile air activity, the mission also provides critical support to civilian aircraft in distress, such as when planes lose communication with air traffic control.

Established in 1961 during the height of the Cold War, NATO Air Policing has evolved into an integral component of the Alliance’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) framework. It serves not only as a practical safeguard but also as a powerful symbol of cohesion, shared responsibility, and solidarity among member states. For decades, NATO has overseen multiple regional air policing missions, adapting to emerging threats while reinforcing its commitment to collective defense. Since Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania joined NATO in 2004, the Alliance has been committed to protecting their sovereign airspace. Countries without sufficient resources to conduct air policing independently—such as the Baltic States—are supported by other NATO members who voluntarily contribute aircraft and personnel. Every four months, participating nations rotate responsibilities, fostering a sense of unity and mutual reliance within the Alliance.

The execution of the NATO Air Policing mission relies on the sophisticated NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence System (NATINAMDS). Under the overarching authority of the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), the mission is managed through Allied Air Command (AIRCOM), headquartered in Ramstein, Germany. Two Combined Air Operations Centres (CAOCs)—one in Torrejón, Spain, covering southern airspace, and another in Uedem, Germany, responsible for northern regions—provide round-the-clock command and control. When intercepts are required—for instance, in response to airspace violations, suspicious activities near NATO borders, or unsafe air traffic—the relevant CAOC determines which aircraft will respond based on the location of the incident. This highly coordinated system ensures rapid and effective responses tailored to specific scenarios.

Poland and Romania’s involvement in the current rotation underscores their growing contributions to NATO’s defensive posture. By deploying advanced F-16s, both nations demonstrate their commitment to upholding the principles of collective defense enshrined in Article 5 of the Washington Treaty. Their participation also highlights the adaptability of NATO’s multinational approach, where member states pool resources and expertise for the greater good. For the Baltic States, NATO Air Policing represents more than just a military operation; it embodies the Alliance’s promise to protect smaller members from external threats. Since 2014, additional deployments to Ämari Air Base in Estonia have further strengthened coverage across the region, enhancing deterrence capabilities in light of evolving geopolitical challenges. With Poland and Romania now leading the charge, the mission reaffirms NATO’s unwavering dedication to defending its skies—and its values.