Italy to take over NATO air policing mission in the Baltics from France and Romania

Italy will take over the NATO air policing mission in the Baltic states from French and Romanian forces during a handover ceremony at the Lithuanian Air Force Aviation Base in Šiauliai on Friday, the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence announced.

The Italian Air Force will assume the mission from French and Romanian troops. This marks Italy’s eighth participation in the Baltic air policing mission.

Over the past four months, France safeguarded Baltic airspace with four Rafale fighter jets, supported by around 110 personnel, including pilots, technicians, medical staff, and communications specialists. Romania contributed as an augmenting contingent with six F-16 Fighting Falcon jets and approximately 100 personnel, including pilots, technicians, medical staff, and support teams.

During their deployment, French and Romanian units responded to airspace violations by drones in the Baltic states. Romanian jets were scrambled due to an incident in Estonian airspace, while French jets responded to a violation in Latvian airspace.