Turkish air force begins Baltic air defence mission at Ämari

The Turkish air force will take over the Baltic air defence mission at Ämari Air Base on Saturday, ERR reported. The change follows an agreement reached at the latest NATO summit in Ankara and is intended to improve the response to potential threats.

NATO aircraft have monitored the airspace from Ämari for more than a decade. Under the new arrangement, aircraft previously assigned to peacetime air policing will also be able to take part in air defence operations if necessary.

“If the threat picture changes and it is necessary to bring additional forces here quickly, that can be done. The prior authorisations needed for possible decisions have already been made to the maximum extent,” Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur said.

Turkey will lead the mission for four months before being replaced by another country. According to Pevkur, the countries rotating through the mission have been scheduled for the next three years.

He said the mission would expose the participating personnel to frequent encounters with Russian reconnaissance and fighter aircraft, something they would not normally experience in their home countries.

The Turkish air force contingent at Ämari numbers nearly 80 people, including 10 pilots. The remainder are logistics personnel and mechanics. Five F-16 fighter jets will remain on readiness around the clock.

“We are proud to be here under the NATO flag. Our aim and mission is to protect NATO airspace, identify threats in the area and maintain strong air deterrence,” said Turkish air force pilot Lieutenant Atila Özdemir.

The changeover of the Turkish contingent will be completed in November.