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.