Germany takes helm of Baltic air policing mission performed out of Estonia's Air Base

• Published date: 02 August 2022
• Publication title: LETA

TALLINN, Aug 2 (LETA--BNS) - A changeover ceremony of the Baltic air policing mission took place at the Amari Air Base in northwestern Estonia on Tuesday where the French Air Force handed over the mission to the Air Force of Germany, which will conduct air policing using Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets.

"The war against Ukraine has made your mission here in Amari even more important for Estonia, the Baltic states and also NATO. Your presence in guarding our skies shows that Estonia and NATO member states can count on the support of all allies. NATO is united against unjustified aggression," Estonia's Minister of Defense Hanno Pevkur said.

The fighter jets stationed at the Amari base are on duty 24/7, perform intercept sorties when necessary, and conduct regular training flights. Since 2014, Germany has participated in the air policing mission at Amari on eight occasions.

ermany's Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht said that particularly in the current security policy situation, the Bundeswehr's commitment on NATO's eastern flank is very important.

"Moscow should have no illusions. The alliance is more united than ever," Lambrecht said.

"Our...