Turkey is set to take over the NATO Enhanced Air Policing mission from Portugal, with a handover ceremony scheduled for tomorrow, according to an announcement by the Turkish Ministry of National Defense (MSB).
The MSB has deployed five F-16 aircraft and associated personnel to Amari Air Base in Estonia for the mission, which will run from 1 August to 30 November 2026.
According to a claim made during a weekly press briefing at the MKE Gazi Fişek Factory, MSB Spokesperson Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk stated that during the mission, Turkish elements will contribute to the security of the Baltic airspace and perform round-the-clock alert reaction duties to support NATO airspace security.
The deployment marks a milestone in NATO's air policing efforts in the Baltic region, replacing Portuguese forces stationed there.
Updates
The Turkish Air Force contingent at Ämari Air Base consists of nearly 80 personnel, including 10 pilots, while the Turkish Ministry of National Defense reports a slightly different figure of 76 personnel and five F-16 aircraft. Additionally, Estonian Minister of Defense Hanno Pevkur confirmed that the mission has evolved from air policing to air defense following decisions at the NATO summit in Ankara, a shift that allows for countering aerial attacks via NATO's integrated air defense system. The NATO allies have also agreed upon a four-month rotation timetable for the next three years.
The NATO enhanced air policing mission in Estonia and Lithuania is evolving into an air defense mission as of August 1, following a decision made at the NATO summit in Ankara. The Turkish Air Force contingent at Ämari Air Base includes nearly 80 personnel, including 10 pilots, and 5 F-16 fighter jets on round-the-clock standby. Additionally, NATO allies have agreed upon a four-month rotation timetable for the next three years.
The mission is evolving from air policing to air defense as of August 1, a transition decided at the NATO summit in Ankara to allow for countering aerial attacks through NATO's integrated air defense system. The Turkish contingent at Ämari Air Base includes 5 F-16 aircraft on constant standby, with the deployment expected to conclude in November. Additionally, NATO allies have agreed upon a four-month rotation timetable for the next three years.
The NATO mission in Estonia and Lithuania is evolving into an air defense mission as of August 1, following a decision made at the NATO summit in Ankara. The Turkish contingent at Ämari Air Base includes 5 F-16 fighter jets on constant standby, though specific personnel numbers remain disputed between the Ministry of National Defense's report of 76 personnel and other claims of nearly 80. Additionally, a four-month rotation timetable for NATO allies has been agreed upon for the next three years.
