BERLIN: Two German Air Force Eurofighter aircraft were scrambled from Lielvarde Air Base in Latvia on March 1, mere hours after starting NATO Air Policing duties, to intercept two Russian military jets nearing the bloc’s airspace off the Latvian coast.
Upon detection of a non-NATO jet in the Latvian coast vicinity, the Latvian Control and Reporting Centre promptly relayed the information to the Combined Air Operations Centre in Uedem, Germany. Subsequently, the decision was taken to mobilize the German Eurofighters stationed at Lielvarde, marking their debut alert scramble from the base.
German Pilots Approach Russian Military Aircraft
Once in flight, the German pilots were briefed on their mission and approached the Russian military jet operating over the Baltic Sea. Notably, the Russian jets lacked a flight plan, communication with Civilian Air Traffic Control, or transponder identification. According to media reports.
After visually confirming the aircraft type, the pilots escorted the jets before successfully completing their mission and returning to Lielvarde Air Base. The interception proceeded smoothly.
Colonel Viesturs Masulis, commander of the Latvian Air Force, stressed the importance of this event, saying that this first alert take-off of German Eurofighters from Lielvarde showcases NATO’s capability and commitment to deter and defend Allied airspace.
He said that they were aware and ready for potential threats to their territory.
He said that the establishment of NATO Air Policing command and control procedures at Lielvarde, along with the coordinated and rapid response of all participants, was a testament to collective cooperation in protecting NATO’s borders.
