Türkiye has completed the deployment of five F-16 fighter jets and 76 personnel to Ämari Air Base in Estonia as part of NATO’s Enhanced Air Policing mission.
The Turkish Air Force will help protect Baltic airspace from August 1 to November 30, 2026, operating within NATO’s command-and-control structure.
According to a statement issued during the Turkish Ministry of National Defense’s weekly press briefing, Turkey will take over the mission from Portugal. A formal handover ceremony will be held in Estonia.
Turkish F-16s to Maintain 24/7 Quick Reaction Alert
The deployed F-16s will maintain a 24/7 Quick Reaction Alert posture under NATO’s air policing framework. The aircraft will be ready to respond to potential airspace violations and intercept unidentified aircraft approaching or entering NATO airspace.
Turkish forces will also participate in NATO’s joint air defense activities and conduct coordinated operations with other allied nations during the four-month deployment.
Mission Includes Five Aircraft and 76 Personnel
Speaking to Anadolu Agency before the deployment, Lieutenant Colonel Özdemir, commander of the Turkish Air Force’s 181st Jet Squadron, said the Baltic Air Policing mission was strategically important to the defense of NATO’s eastern flank.
“We will carry out the mission at Ämari Air Base in Estonia with five F-16s and 76 personnel,” Özdemir said.
“During the mission, we will maintain a 24/7 alert and response posture against border violations and unidentified aircraft. We will also conduct joint operations with other allied nations.”
First Lieutenant Özmen, one of the pilots participating in the deployment, said international missions strengthen the Turkish Air Force’s ability to conduct joint operations with other NATO air forces.
Özmen also emphasized the critical role played by maintenance, mission-planning and support personnel in ensuring the success of the deployment.
NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission
NATO launched its Baltic Air Policing mission after Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania joined the alliance in 2004. Because the three Baltic countries do not operate fighter aircraft, NATO members protect their airspace through rotational deployments.
Allied fighter aircraft were initially based primarily at Šiauliai Air Base in Lithuania. Ämari Air Base in Estonia began hosting air policing deployments in 2014, while Lielvārde Air Base in Latvia has also supported the mission in recent years.
The Enhanced Air Policing framework reinforces NATO’s permanent Baltic Air Policing mission by deploying additional aircraft and personnel to the alliance’s eastern flank.
Türkiye’s Previous NATO Air Policing Deployments
Türkiye previously participated in NATO’s Enhanced Air Policing activities in Poland in 2021 and Romania between 2023 and 2024.
Under the Ministry of National Defense’s current plans, the Turkish Air Force is also expected to assume another Enhanced Air Policing deployment in Romania from December 2026 to March 2027.
The Estonia deployment represents Türkiye’s latest contribution to NATO’s collective air defense and deterrence posture. Turkish F-16s will support the alliance’s continuous air policing operations over the Baltic region for four months.
