French "Rafale" fighter jets land at Air Base "Lielvārde", demonstrating NATO presence in the region

On Tuesday, April 14, demonstrating NATO’s presence in the region, two French “Rafale” fighter jets arrived at the  Air Base "Lielvārde” of National Armed Forces of Latvia. These aircrafts are currently deployed in Šiauliai, Lithuania, where they perform the daily tasks of the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission.

The event was attended by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia Evika Siliņa, Minister of Defence Andris Sprūds, Minister of Foreign Affairs Baiba Braže, and the Ambassador of the French Republic to Latvia Manuel Lafont Rapnouil. The event was also attended by the Chief of Defence of the Republic of Latvia, Major General Kaspars Pudāns, ambassadors of NATO countries, defence attachés, and the leadership of the Air Force.

"The presence of French fighter jets in Lielvārde is a clear testament to the solidarity of NATO allies and the unwavering determination to protect every centimeter of the alliance's territory. At a time when Russia continues its war in Ukraine, the security of our airspace is an absolute priority. Therefore, we highly value the allies' invaluable contribution to strengthening the security of the Baltic region," emphasizes Minister of Defence Andris Sprūds.

It has already been reported that on April 1 of this year, the French Air Force took over the leadership of the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission in Šiauliai, replacing the Spanish Air Force contingent. French “Rafale” fighter jets currently ensure the protection of Baltic airspace to immediately react to violations of NATO airspace. NATO air policing is a continuous task carried out by several member states, including France.

NATO member states have been carrying out the patrolling of Latvian, Lithuanian, and Estonian airspace on a rotational basis since March 2004, when the Baltic States were admitted to the alliance.

As russia continues the war in Ukraine, the allied fighter jets stationed in the Baltic States not only react to the illegal entry of russian military aircraft into the airspace of the Baltic States but also patrol the airspace in the vicinity of the russian and Belarusian borders.

The NATO Baltic Air Policing mission demonstrates the readiness of NATO member states to cooperate effectively, coordinate their capabilities, and implement joint exercises to strengthen the alliance's presence in the region and collective defence within the framework of the NATO Treaty.

Information prepared by:
MoD Military Public Affairs Department
Media Relations Section
Phone: 67335129
E-mail: prese@mod.gov.lv