The Romanian Air Force – a new enhanced Air Policing Mission in the Baltic air space

The Romanian Air Force began a new enhanced Air Policing Mission in the Baltic air space on Monday, March 31, as part of Romania's commitment to NATO's collective security. The official ceremony marking the beginning of the mission took place at Šiauliai Air Base and was attended by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Gheorghiță Vlad, as well as by military officials from Lithuania, Poland, Italy and France.

The Romanian Air Force began a new enhanced Air Policing Mission in the Baltic air space on Monday, March 31, as part of Romania's commitment to NATO's collective security. The official ceremony marking the mission's debut took place at Šiauliai Air Base, in the presence of the Chief of the Defense Staff, General Gheorghiță Vlad, as well as military officials from Lithuania, Poland, Italy and France.

General Vlad reaffirmed Romania's firm commitment to supporting regional security. "NATO unity, beyond state borders, is strengthened by the presence of multi-domain allied forces and joint training activities. These efforts strengthen our defensive posture and ensure the maintenance of freedom and security in the Euro-Atlantic area," the Chief of Defence Staff noted.

During the bilateral meeting with his Lithuanian counterpart, General Raimundas Vaikšnoras, the two officials discussed the importance of NATO unity and cohesion in the face of common challenges, as well as collaboration in the field of F-16 pilots’ training, with Romania providing facilities such as the European Training Center for this type of aircraft. At the same time, General Vaikšnoras thanked Romania for its contribution to protecting allied air space and brought to attention another common interest topic, such as the support provided by both countries to the National Army of the Republic of Moldova, in the context of strengthening its defence capabilities. 

Through this new mission in Lithuania, Romania demonstrates, once again, that it is a trustworthy member of NATO, actively contributing to regional security and protection of the Alliance's eastern flank.

The Press Office