Turkish F-16s to guard skies of Russia's neighbors 24/7
Photo: F-16 fighter jets (Getty Images)
Türkiye is once again deploying F-16 fighter jets to Estonia, where they will spend several months protecting Baltic airspace around the clock as part of a NATO mission, according to Hurriyet Daily News.
Five F-16 fighter jets and 76 personnel from the Turkish 181st Jet Squadron Command, known as the Panther Squadron, will be deployed to Amari Air Base in Estonia.
The contingent, based in Diyarbakır, will carry out the mission from August through November. During the deployment, the crews will maintain 24/7 quick reaction alert (QRA) duties, enabling them to respond rapidly to any potential airspace violations over the Baltic region.
According to the Turkish Air Force Command, the mission is part of NATO's peacetime air policing system and is designed to safeguard allied airspace.
The mission primarily covers Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, which do not operate their own fighter aircraft for air policing duties.
During the deployment, the Turkish F-16s will remain ready for immediate takeoff in the event of unidentified aircraft or potential airspace violations. The crews will also take part in joint activities and training with other NATO allies.
Earlier, Lithuania's Ministry of National Defense said it sees no signs that Russia is preparing a full-scale attack on the Baltic states.
At the same time, the ministry warned of a high risk of sabotage targeting critical infrastructure and suggested that Moscow could deliberately spread rumors about a possible invasion to sow panic among NATO allies and divert attention from its war against Ukraine.
