Intercepts involving Russian fighters take place almost daily in the Baltic skies, as Russia occasionally seeks to provoke NATO patrol aircraft with perilous manoeuvres despite internationally agreed procedures

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Eurofighter Typhoon / EF-2000 - InternationalInternational - 1994Сухой Су-27 - РоссияRussia - 1981

NATO assets, including the E-3 Sentry AWACS, are nearly a permanent fixture in the region, offering surveillance and, if necessary, target detection and allocation of Russia's forces

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing E-3 Sentry - СШАUSA - 1972

Spain utilises its regular Baltic Air Policing deployments to carry out valuable training, deploying either its Eurofighter Typhoons or older F/A-18s

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A Hornet - СШАUSA - 1978

In March 2024, Sweden became a full member of NATO, enhancing the organisation's capabilities and significantly reducing the vulnerability of its northeastern flank. The Swedish Air Force's JAS39 Gripens regularly support NATO's air policing detachments

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: SAAB Gripen / JAS-39A/C - ШвецияSweden - 1988

The region's strategic significance meant that the USAF deployed its F-22A Raptors for regular exercises. With the new US leadership in the White House poised to amend its collaboration with NATO, will these highly capable fifth-generation platforms continue to provide support?

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed F-22 Raptor - СШАUSA - 1990

For the foreseeable future, RAF Typhoons, as part of NATO, will continue to patrol the tense skies above the Baltic, ready to respond to any moves by Russia

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Eurofighter Typhoon / EF-2000 - InternationalInternational - 1994

RAF Typhoon pilots have never been busier operationally, undertaking regular deployments to the Baltic region as part of NATO's commitment to deterrence in the region

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Eurofighter Typhoon / EF-2000 - InternationalInternational - 1994

The Chinook's capacity to swiftly transport personnel and supplies across the battlefield will be crucial for maintaining a high-tempo defence. The Chinook force has consistently deployed to the region over the past few years for training exercises.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing-Vertol CH-47 Chinook - СШАUSA - 1961

The RAF first deployed its F-35Bs to Amari Air Base in Estonia in 2022. At that time, they participated in Enhanced Vigilance Activity (eVA) in the Baltic region, which contributed to NATO's increased presence due to the evolving regional security situation. Tensions in the region have only escalated since then

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed F-35B Lightning II - СШАUSA - 2008