Air Policing remains a core element of NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence, enabling the rapid identification and response to aircraft approaching or operating near Allied airspace. Along the eastern flank, fighter detachments at key locations maintain a constant alert posture, ready to launch within minutes to intercept, identify and escort aircraft when required.
At Ämari Air Base, an Italian Eurofighter detachment continues to support Baltic Air Policing, while NATO detachments also operate continuously from Šiauliai Air Base. Spanish F-18 Hornets are currently forward based in Šiauliai, contributing to deterrence and stability along NATO’s eastern border.
Beyond the Baltic region, NATO air policing extends to air bases in Poland and Romania, where German Eurofighter detachments remain on standby for potential air threats. These standing missions are coordinated under the Eastern Sentry operating model, providing a flexible and multi-domain posture to respond to evolving security challenges.
Allied nations also maintain National Quick Reaction Alert assets, allowing fighter aircraft to scramble whenever and wherever a threat emerges. On 22 January 2026, Swedish and Finnish fighters scrambled nationally in response to Russian aircraft near NATO airspace, alongside Italian Eurofighters scrambled by Combined Air Operation Centre Uedem, highlighting enhanced interoperability.
In the High North, NATO air forces provide quick reaction capabilities from Keflavík Air Base as part of Iceland’s peacetime preparedness under the Alliance’s airborne surveillance and interception arrangements. In 2026, the Swedish Air Force will lead NATO air policing in Iceland for the first time, reinforcing collective defence and security in the Arctic region.
