Estonia. Italy takes over command of the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission

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Today, at the Ämari Air Base in Estonia, a ceremony marked the handover of responsibility from the Portuguese Air Force to the Italian Air Force Task Force within the framework of NATO’s enhanced Air Policing (eAP), officially launching Operation Baltic Eagle III to safeguard the airspace of the Baltic States for the next four months.

“Italy’s assumption of command of the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission confirms the Defence Ministry’s strategic commitment to collective security on the Alliance’s eastern flank, a concrete contribution to deterrence and the defence of Euro-Atlantic borders. The start of Operation Baltic Eagle III is yet another sign of the professionalism and reliability that our Armed Forces continue to demonstrate within NATO. To the men and women of the Air Force deployed in Ämari, I extend my best wishes for their work,” said Defence Minister Guido Crosetto.

The ceremony was attended by the Joint Operations Headquarters (COVI) Commander, Army Corps General Giovanni Maria Iannucci, who underlined the significance of the operation and the importance of cooperation among Allied nations.

With the launch of Baltic Eagle III, the Italian Air Force Task Force, equipped with F-35 aircraft and highly specialized personnel, takes on responsibility for surveillance of Baltic airspace. This marks Italy’s third participation in the mission in Estonia, following those in 2018 and 2021.

The Air Task Force – 32nd Wing will be responsible for air patrol and interception operations under the coordination of the Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC) in Uedem, Germany.

Italy reaffirms its central role in collective defence and deterrence strategy along the eastern flank, in an international context marked by renewed tensions and growing attention to security in the Baltic area.