Turkish F-16 fighter jets land at Lielvārde military base, demonstrating allied presence

On Friday, 21 August, two Turkish F-16 fighter jets arrived at the National Armed Forces’ Lielvārde Military Base, demonstrating NATO’s presence in the region. The aircraft flew to Latvia from Ämari Air Base in Estonia as part of NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission.

The event was attended by Minister of Defence Raivis Melnis, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Latvia Ahmet Cemil Miroğlu, Deputy Chief of the Joint Headquarters of the National Armed Forces for Operations Colonel Gunārs Kauliņš, as well as invited guests.

“The presence of Turkish fighter jets in Latvia is a tangible demonstration of NATO’s readiness to protect our airspace and respond to any threat. In the current security environment, it is essential that Allied capabilities in the region are not only visible, but also ready for immediate deployment. The presence of Allied forces strengthens the security of Latvia and NATO’s entire eastern flank, while sending a clear message of the Alliance’s unity and the strength of our collective defence,” emphasizes Minister of Defence Raivis Melnis.

On 31 July this year, the Italian contingent officially assumed responsibility for the latest rotation of NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission at Šiauliai Air Base in Lithuania, taking over from the French and Romanian contingents. The mission is supported by the Turkish contingent operating from Ämari Air Base in Estonia.

Information prepared by:
MoD Military Public Affairs Department
Media Relations Section
Phone: 67335210
E-mail: prese@mod.gov.lv