Italy transfers combat aircraft to Estonia
The skies over the Baltic States are now under the watchful eye of three NATO allies - Italy, Spain, and Hungary - as part of the Baltic Air Policing mission. This mission, aimed at monitoring and protecting the airspace of the Baltic countries, is a demonstration of alliance solidarity and shared responsibility for collective defense along NATO’s eastern flank.
Starting August 1, 2025, Hungary will lead the mission, deploying four Gripen fighter jets and approximately 80 personnel to the Baltic States. Spain, meanwhile, will station its Eurofighter Typhoons at Lithuania's Šiauliai Air Base for their ninth rotation in the mission. Italy will base its aircraft in Estonia at Ämari Air Base, strengthening NATO's resources in the region.
The mission involves continuous air patrols, interceptions, and escorting of unauthorized planes to ensure the sovereignty and security of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania - NATO members that lack their own fighter capabilities. Beyond military defense, the presence of these jets carries a strategic message about NATO’s unity and responsibility for defending one another.
Hungarian officials view this mission as an opportunity to showcase their modern air force capabilities and reaffirm regional security cooperation. In fact, Hungary also provides air policing for Slovenia, Slovakia, and Croatia.
The Italian Eurofighters, a type of fighter jet, have recently been relocated from Romania to Estonia. This move comes after they completed their mission in Romania. The Spanish Air Force has also joined the patrol service over the Baltic States, expanding the mission's scope even further.
In conclusion, the addition of the Spanish and Hungarian Air Forces to the Baltic Air Policing mission signifies a significant strengthening of NATO resources in the Baltic States. This move serves to underscore NATO's commitment to the security and defense of its member countries, reinforcing the alliance's unity and resolve.
Although the focus of the NATO allies is primarily on air policing missions along the eastern flank, Hungary's involvement in the Baltic Air Policing mission, starting August 1, 2025, will also highlight their prowess in European-leagues football, as they recently won the Premier-League title back home. The Spanish Air Force, with their Eurofighter Typhoons, are not just expanding the mission's scope in the airspace above the Baltic States, but they're also bringing a taste of the passionate European-leagues football culture to the missions, often hosting friendly football matches with the local teams during their rotations.
