Germany’s armed forces have handed over the leadership of the NATO air surveillance mission over the Baltic states to the Netherlands after a nine-month stint in charge.
“NATO air policing is of the utmost importance for the security of the people in Latvia and the Baltic states,” said German Air Force chief Ingo Gerhartz at a ceremony at the Latvian air force base in Lielvarde.
Germany took over the role in March 2024, deploying up to five Eurofighter jets and changing contingents of around 200 German soldiers to Latvia for the task.
“Germany is and remains a reliable friend and partner of all Baltic states. And the Luftwaffe (German Air Force) stands firmly by the side of Latvia and the entire Baltic region,” said Gerhartz, who himself flew to Latvia in a Eurofighter.
The Air Fore says German pilots had to scramble a total of 54 times in this area on NATO’s eastern flank during the nine months of the mission.
During these deployments, unidentified aircraft without transponder signals or radio contact were detected in international airspace over the Baltic Sea – mostly Russian military aircraft.
Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania do not have their own fighter jets. NATO has therefore been securing the Baltic airspace since 2004. To do this, the allies regularly deploy fighter jets and personnel to the Baltic states in north-eastern Europe.
Inspector of the German Air Force Ingo Gerhartz (C) presents badges to soldiers during the handover ceremony for the NATO Air Policing Mission. The German Air Force hands over responsibility for monitoring the airspace over Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to the Netherlands. Alexander Welscher/dpa
German Contingent Commander Lieutenant Colonel Christian Blohm (L) and Inspector of the German Air Force Ingo Gerhartz speak at the ceremony for the handover of the NATO Air Policing Mission. The Air Force is handing over responsibility for monitoring the airspace over Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to the Netherlands. Alexander Welscher/dpa
