Imagine the sky above the Baltic Sea, where the roar of jet engines symbolizes more than just flight—it signifies a commitment to safeguarding our collective security. Recently, the Estonian Air Force bid a heartfelt farewell to their Polish counterparts after successfully completing a vital mission in support of NATO's enhanced Air Policing for the Baltic States. This poignant moment was marked by a formal ceremony at Ämari Air Base, where Estonian airmen were honored with achievement medals, a testament to their unwavering dedication to protecting Baltic airspace.
For years, the Baltic Sea region has witnessed the graceful maneuvers of Polish Air Force F-16s, serving as tangible reminders of NATO's collective security efforts. However, as construction work commenced at Ämari Air Base, the Polish detachment gracefully handed over the reins to a German Air Force Eurofighter detachment stationed at Lielvarde Air Base in Latvia. Despite the transition, the mission to safeguard Baltic airspace continues unabated, ensuring the safety of operations until the completion of scheduled repairs in October 2024.
Lieutenant Colonel Maanus Nigul, commander of Ämari Air Base, spoke warmly of the partnership with the Polish contingent, praising their exemplary service in maintaining the integrity of Estonian and NATO airspace. His words echoed the sentiments of many, underscoring the vital role played by NATO's Air Policing mission in our collective security framework.
Mr. Kusti Salm, Chancellor of the Estonian Ministry of Defence, expressed gratitude to Lieutenant Colonel Michał Zloch and the Polish contingent, acknowledging their professionalism and dedication throughout the mission. He emphasized the shared commitment of NATO Allies to protect the airspace of allied countries in the Baltic Sea region, highlighting the unity and solidarity that define our alliance.
As Ämari Air Base prepares for the construction phase, plans are underway to establish a German deployable Control and Reporting Centre, further bolstering NATO's Air Surveillance and Control architecture in the region. Once the construction dust settles, aircraft from NATO allies and Estonia will once again take to the skies, reaffirming our collective resolve to safeguard our shared security.
Since joining the Alliance in 2004, NATO members have rotated in protecting the airspace of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to collective defense. The extension of the Baltic Air Policing mission during NATO's 2012 Chicago summit reaffirmed our collective determination to preserve airspace integrity and solidarity among Allies.
Enhanced Air Policing, introduced as part of NATO's Assurance Measures in 2014, serves as a beacon of collective resolve in the face of evolving threats. Through flexible and scalable measures, NATO's Air Policing mission continues to adapt to address emerging challenges, sending a clear message of deterrence against potential aggressors.
The successful conclusion of the mission is a testament to the dedication and partnership of Estonian, Polish, and German airmen in safeguarding our collective security. As guardians of the sky, we remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting airspace integrity and deterring potential threats, ensuring a safer and more secure future for us all.
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Naval Force