This marks Germany’s fourth deployment to Romania under the eAP framework, succeeding the Italian Air Force, which has been present since April 2025. Italy’s Task Force Air has now concluded its mission in Romania and will begin operations under NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission from Amari, Estonia.
“As an Alliance we stand together in our collective readiness to reinforce the eastern flank and ensure the security of NATO airspace,” stated Lieutenant General Holger “Hawk” Neumann, German Air Chief. The deployment underscores NATO’s commitment to collective defence and maintaining stability along its south-eastern borders.
During the mission, German Eurofighter crews will collaborate closely with Romanian F-16 teams in live flying exercises. They will also participate in joint training activities alongside other NATO air and ground forces to further enhance interoperability and tactical readiness.
Since the launch of NATO’s enhanced Air Policing initiative in 2014, rotating fighter deployments have ensured continuous airspace protection over Romania. These efforts contribute significantly to strengthening deterrence and defence across the Alliance’s eastern flank.
