Newsletters
Latvian Defense Minister Raivis Melnis on Friday thanked the Turkish Air Force (TurAF) for helping protect Latvia's airspace, after Turkish F-16 fighter jets briefly deployed to the country to support NATO's integrated air and missile defense activities.
"I thank Türkiye for its responsiveness and swift action, making a significant contribution to strengthening the security of Latvia’s airspace," Melnis said after meeting the Turkish unit at Lielvarde Military Base, according to a statement from the Latvian Defense Ministry.
The Turkish jets were among the German, Italian, and Turkish air forces that provided extra protection for Latvian airspace during the country's parliamentary elections, at Melnis's initiative, as drone incidents in Baltic airspace have risen in recent months.
"The presence of Turkish fighter jets in Lielvarde demonstrates NATO’s ability to react quickly and effectively move forces where they are needed," Melnis said.
"Close allied cooperation, mutual trust and readiness to act together are an essential prerequisite for the security of Latvia and NATO’s entire eastern flank," he added.
The ministry said the deployment also tested NATO's ability to rapidly move and deploy allied forces, as well as the readiness of the Lielvarde base to host and support allied air forces.
Drone incidents have been repeatedly detected in Baltic airspace in recent months, linked to the security situation created by Russia's war against Ukraine, the ministry said.
Latvia’s armed forces and NATO allies constantly monitor the country’s airspace, it added.
Five Turkish F-16s and 76 personnel from the 181st Jet Squadron, known as the Pars Squadron, have been deployed to Estonia's Amari Air Base since Aug. 1 for NATO's Baltic mission, which runs through Nov. 30.
It is the Turkish Air Force's first deployment to Estonia under NATO's newly transformed Baltic air defense mission, following a decision at the alliance’s summit in Ankara in July.
Two Turkish F-16s also flew from Amari to Lielvarde on Aug. 21.
Türkiye previously carried out NATO air policing missions in Poland in 2021 and Romania in 2023-2024 and is set to return to Romania from December 2026 through March 2027 as Turkish F-16s expand their role on NATO's eastern flank.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
2 min read
1 min read
