Scheduled Rotations of Allied Detachments Conducting NATO Air Defence Missions in Romania and Lithuania

Allied air detachments have begun their scheduled rotations in Romania and Lithuania as part of NATO’s continued efforts to strengthen its deterrence and defence posture on the Eastern Flank.

Through its participation in NATO missions, Romania contributes to the security of the Black Sea region and to the protection of Allied airspace across the Eastern Flank, from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea.

On Friday, 31 July, a transfer of authority ceremony for NATO’s enhanced Air Policing mission in Romania took place at the 86th Air Base “Lieutenant Gheorghe Mociorniță” in Borcea.

The Italian and British detachments completed their deployments in Romania, handing over responsibility for the mission to the Spanish Air and Space Force. This is the fourth deployment of the Spanish Air and Space Force to Romania, following previous missions in 2021, 2024 and February 2026.

The Spanish detachment includes seven F-18M Hornet fighter aircraft, one A400M air-to-air refuelling aircraft, three NH90 helicopters and approximately 180 personnel, including aircrew and technical staff. The detachment will operate in Romania until the end of November.

Also on 31 July, the Romanian Air Force completed its fourth deployment to Lithuania in support of NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission.

The “Carpathian Vipers” detachment, made up of approximately 100 personnel and six F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, operated in Lithuania from April to July 2026, contributing to the protection of Allied airspace and to NATO’s deterrence and defence posture on the Eastern Flank.

NATO Air Policing missions and the measures taken to strengthen the defence of Allied airspace are defensive in nature and are conducted in peacetime.

Their purpose is to safeguard the integrity of Allied airspace, deter potential violations and ensure a rapid and coordinated Allied response when required.

The Press Office