Five F-16 fighter jets and 76 personnel from the Turkish Air Force are continuing preparations to deploy to Estonia for NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission, scheduled for August-November 2026.
The intensive work at the 8th Main Jet Base Command in Diyarbakır is being conducted by the 181st Panther Squadron, one of Turkey’s most experienced attack squadrons.
181st Panther Squadron Ready for Duty
181st Jet Squadron Commander Air Pilot Lieutenant Colonel Özdemir said the mission is one of NATO’s peaceful defense activities, noting, “Baltic Air Policing is a collective mission carried out to safeguard the airspace of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, which have no fighter aircraft of their own.”
“This mission is of great strategic importance within the framework of defending NATO’s eastern flank. It will strengthen Turkey’s international deterrence capability, increase interaction with allied forces, and contribute to strategic potential.”
Özdemir said they will be stationed at Estonia’s Ämari Air Base with five aircraft and 76 personnel, standing 24-hour watch against airspace violations and unidentified aircraft.
“We Will Represent the Turkish Flag in Baltic Skies in the Best Way”
Air Pilot Lieutenant Özmen, serving in the squadron, stressed that they are preparing with great dedication and discipline. “The most important factor that keeps us at this level in the skies is rigorous, disciplined, and continuous training,” Özmen said, noting that success results from the combined efforts of the pilot, technicians, air traffic controllers, planning officers, and support staff.
“Following Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s words, ‘The future is in the skies,’ the skies await anyone who wants to go beyond borders and share this pride.”
Özmen added that the Turkish Air Force, thanks to its high standard of training, remains ready at all times to serve the interests of the country and its allies.
NATO’s Baltic Air Policing Mission
Baltic Air Policing is a standing peacetime mission designed to ensure NATO’s airspace security. Launched in 2004 following the accession of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania to the alliance, the mission involves allied nations with fighter fleets rotating in voluntarily.
Initially stationed only at Šiauliai Air Base in Lithuania, the mission expanded its presence in the region as Ämari Air Base in Estonia became operational from 2014, and Lielvārde Air Base in Latvia from 2024. The responsibility rotates among allies every four months.
The Turkish Air Force previously completed the same mission successfully in Poland (6 July–15 September 2021) and in Romania (30 November 2023–2 April 2024). Following the Estonian rotation from August to November 2026, it is scheduled to perform air policing duties again in Romania from December 2026 to March 2027.
