Approximately 100 Romanian military personnel have also deployed to support the operation, joining forces with a detachment of Polish F-16s. The dual deployment at Šiauliai offers NATO increased operational flexibility in the region.
A handover ceremony took place on 31 March, attended by Lieutenant General Thorsten Poschwatta, Commander of the Combined Air Operations Centre Uedem. This event marked the official transition of responsibility to the Romanian and Polish teams.
Colonel Vasile Petrea, Commander of the Romanian Detachment, stated: “The Carpathian Vipers Detachment of the Romanian Air Force is executing enhanced Air Policing missions in Lithuania from April to July 2025. Our mission is clear: to safeguard the security and integrity of Baltic airspace.”
He added: “Operating under NATO command and in close cooperation with our Polish and Portuguese allies, we stand as a testament to allied unity and unwavering commitment to peace and collective defence.” This deployment is Romania’s third leading NATO’s mission from Šiauliai, following earlier contributions in 2007 and 2023.
Romania’s expanding F-16 fleet will continue to grow throughout 2025, with plans to establish two new squadrons of the advanced multirole aircraft. This aligns with NATO’s broader strategic aims and reflects Romania’s long-term investment in regional security.
NATO’s Air Policing remains a core element of the Alliance’s collective defence strategy, protecting member states without their own air defence capabilities. The Romanian and Polish fighter presence in Lithuania demonstrates NATO’s readiness and unity in facing any potential threat to its airspace.
