Allied fighter jets to strengthen the protection of Latvia’s airspace during the elections
At the end of September, four German Air Force Eurofighter fighter jets will arrive at the National Armed Forces’ Lielvārde Military Base to temporarily strengthen the protection of Latvia’s airspace, including during the 15th Saeima elections. The Italian and Turkish Air Forces will also provide additional contributions to strengthening the protection of Latvia’s airspace.
The involvement of Allied fighter aircraft follows an initiative by Minister of Defence Raivis Melnis, with Latvia calling on its NATO Allies to strengthen the protection of Latvia’s airspace and response capabilities during the election period.
“The drone-related incidents on NATO’s eastern flank in recent months have once again demonstrated that we must be prepared to respond rapidly to any threat. Germany, Italy and Türkiye’s response to Latvia’s request is a tangible demonstration of Allied solidarity and strengthens our ability to protect Latvia’s airspace. This is particularly important at a time when parliamentary elections will be taking place in Latvia. Every person in Latvia has the right to participate safely in free and fair elections, and it is our duty to protect that right,” emphasises Minister of Defence Raivis Melnis.
The four German Air Force Eurofighter fighter jets are expected to be deployed in Latvia on a temporary basis. The German Eurofighters will conduct missions in Latvia as part of NATO’s enhanced Air Policing North (eAPN).
Italy, whose contingent currently leads NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission from Šiauliai Air Base in Lithuania, has also responded to Latvia’s request and will undertake additional commitments to strengthen the protection of Latvia’s airspace.
Turkish Air Force fighter jets will also contribute to strengthening the protection of Latvia’s airspace. The aircraft are currently deployed at Amari Air Base in Estonia as part of NATO’s air defence mission. In parallel with their primary tasks within the NATO mission, Turkish fighter jets will provide an additional contribution to the protection of Latvia’s airspace. The Turkish Air Force is currently operating F-16 fighter jets from Ämari Air Base.
The deployment of German fighter jets to Latvia will also provide an opportunity to test NATO’s ability to rapidly deploy and receive Allied forces, as well as the readiness of the National Armed Forces’ Lielvārde Military Base to host and support Allied air forces.
The contributions of Germany, Italy and Turkiye demonstrate NATO Allies’ solidarity and their ability to respond rapidly to the security needs of member states, while strengthening the Alliance’s collective defence and the security of NATO’s eastern flank.
As previously reported, there have been several incidents involving unmanned aerial vehicles entering the airspace of the Baltic States in recent months. Such incidents are a consequence of the security situation created by Russia’s war against Ukraine and demonstrate the need to continue strengthening the protection of NATO’s eastern flank, including Latvia’s airspace. The National Armed Forces, together with NATO Allies, continuously monitor Latvia’s airspace and maintain readiness to respond to potential threats.
Information prepared by:
MoD Military Public Affairs Department
Media Relations Section
Phone: 67335210
E-mail: prese@mod.gov.lv