NATO Baltic Air Policing (BAP)

For the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, Russian fighter jets violating their airspace isn’t a hypothetical—it’s a common occurrence. Without substantial fighter forces of their own, these NATO members rely on the Alliance’s Baltic Air Policing (BAP) mission, which has seen British Typhoons, American F-15s, and German Eurofighters patrolling their skies since 2004. With Russian provocations escalating, particularly after the 2014 annexation of Crimea, the mission has become a symbol of NATO’s commitment to defending even its smallest, most vulnerable allies.

History

• Baltic States Join NATO (2004): Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania joined NATO on March 29, 2004. Due to their limited air defense capabilities, NATO established the Baltic Air Policing mission to safeguard their airspace.
• Rotational Deployment Begins (2004–2014): NATO member states committed to rotating fighter detachments to patrol Baltic airspace from Šiauliai Air Base (Lithuania) and later Ämari Air Base (Estonia).
• Increased Tensions and Expansion (2014–Present): Following Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, NATO reinforced the mission, increasing the number of deployed aircraft and expanding operations to include Ämari Air Base. The mission remains a critical component of NATO’s deterrence posture along its eastern flank.

Major Characteristics, Initiatives, and Important Facts

• Continuous Air Presence: 24/7 quick reaction alert (QRA) fighter jets are stationed in the Baltics on a rotational basis.
• Rotational Deployments: NATO allies contribute fighter jets and personnel for four-month rotations, operating from Lithuania and Estonia.
• Deterrence and Response: BAP aircraft intercept and escort unauthorized or unidentified aircraft that approach or enter NATO airspace.
• Increased Activity: Interceptions of Russian military aircraft have surged in recent years, often involving aircraft flying without transponders or flight plans.
• Multinational Effort: Over 20 NATO nations have participated in the mission since its inception.
• Part of NATO’s Enhanced Air Policing (eAP): Similar missions exist in other regions, such as Romania and Bulgaria, under NATO’s broader air defense strategy.

Links

• NATO Baltic Air Policing Official Page
• NATO’s Enhanced Air Policing in Eastern Europe
• NATO Air Policing and Regional Security