The arrival of the Typhoons strengthens NATO’s Air Policing mission in the Eastern Flank and Black Sea region. The deployment is intended to ensure the integrity of Allied airspace and contribute to deterrence measures.
The mission forms part of NATO Allied Air Command’s eVA Eastern Sentry framework, which provides responsive and combat-credible airpower where required. By forward-deploying high-readiness fighter aircraft, NATO aims to demonstrate its ability to adapt its force posture in response to changes in the security environment.
“This deployment demonstrates Spain’s unwavering commitment to NATO’s collective defense,” said Major Félix Diéguez, Detachment Commander. “Operating from Romania and executing NATO’s Agile Combat Employment concept demonstrated our ability to deploy rapidly, integrate seamlessly with our German Allies, and deliver combat-ready airpower wherever the Alliance requires,” he added.
A central element of the mission is the implementation of NATO’s Agile Combat Employment concept. The presence of two Allies operating the Eurofighter enables pilots, engineers, ground crews and support staff to cross-service aircraft, exchange expertise and maintain operational effectiveness under dynamic conditions.
“The deployment of Spanish Eurofighters to Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base demonstrates the strategic value of MK as a key hub for Allied air operations on NATO’s Eastern Flank. Our personnel are proud to enable the rapid reception and integration of multinational forces, showcasing Romania’s commitment to collective defense and the Alliance’s Agile Combat Employment concept in action,” said Colonel (Air Force) Gabriel Goagă, Commander of 57th Air Base Mihail Kogălniceanu.
Spain and Germany will assume Quick Reaction Alert duties on behalf of NATO under the direction of the Combined Air Operation Centre Torrejón in Spain. Both contingents will work together in mission planning cells to strengthen tactical integration and shared situational awareness.
“Operating alongside our Spanish counterparts showcases the depth of Allied interoperability,” said Lieutenant Colonel Andreas Beckmann, German Detachment Commander. “Together, we are reinforcing NATO’s Eastern Flank through flexibility, agility, and shared understanding of the importance of regional security,” he added.
Through Enhanced Vigilance Activities such as this deployment, Allied Air Command continues to coordinate multinational airpower and demonstrate readiness. The integration of Spanish and German forces at Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base is presented as a practical example of NATO unity and its capacity to project airpower in defence of the Alliance.
