The Portuguese Air Force has taken over NATO’s air policing mission in the Baltic region, replacing an Italian contingent in an operation aimed at protecting the airspace of allied countries.
The F-16 fighters were deployed to Estonia, where they now operate under the alliance’s integrated command.
Operating from Ämari Air Base, the Portuguese aircraft perform quick reaction alert duties, ready to monitor and intercept any suspicious aerial activity near allied territory. The mission involves four F-16M fighters and around 95 personnel, including technical and support teams.
According to the Portuguese command, the detachment is prepared to operate alongside local forces and other NATO countries, strengthening cooperation and regional security. The continuous presence of different nations is one of the pillars of the alliance’s collective defense system.
This marks Portugal’s ninth participation in the operation and the second time the country uses the Estonian base as a support point. The Baltic mission is considered strategic, as Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania do not have their own fighter aviation and rely on allied support to ensure the protection of their airspace.
Source: UK Defence Journal | Photo: X @NATO_AIRCOM | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
NATO’s Air Policing and enhanced Air Policing missions continue to ensure the security of NATO airspace across the eastern flank.
🇱🇹 Spanish EF-18s conclude Baltic Air Policing in Šiauliai. 🇫🇷 Rafales take over, supported by 🇷🇴 assets under #NATO eVA Eastern Sentry.
🇪🇪 🇮🇹… pic.twitter.com/s0p08p6w5t— NATO Air Command (@NATO_AIRCOM) April 1, 2026
