Spain, Italy, and Türkiye Deploy Jets to NATO Eastern Flank

The Spanish Air and Space Force, Italian Air Force, and Turkish Air Force have deployed fighter aircraft and personnel to NATO's Eastern Flank, replacing outgoing detachments from France, Portugal, and Romania. This rotation marks a strategic transition from traditional Air Policing to a broader Air Defence role within the Integrated Air and Missile Defence system. The new framework integrates air assets with ground and sea systems to counter cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and unmanned aerial systems.

Spain is deploying seven F-18 fighter aircraft, three NH-90 counter-drone helicopters, one A400M aerial refueling aircraft, and approximately 200 personnel to the Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base in Romania. Italy has sent four Eurofighter Typhoon jets and around 200 personnel to Šiauliai Air Base in Lithuania, while Türkiye has deployed five F-16 aircraft and 80 personnel to Amari Airbase in Estonia.

These movements follow recent operations by the previous French and Romanian contingents, who downed drones in Latvian and Estonian territories. Deputy Defence Minister Bronius Bieliauskas noted that the transition to air defence strengthens integrated missile defence. Alberto Calvo, commander of the Spanish detachment, stated that the mission aims to contribute to Allied deterrence and protect NATO airspace.