ANKARA: Turkiye has deployed five F-16 fighter jets to Estonia to support NATO’s enhanced air policing mission, strengthening the alliance’s presence along its eastern flank as regional tensions remain high following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Turkiye’s Ministry of National Defence said on Thursday that the aircraft had replaced a Portuguese Air Force contingent and would operate from Ämari Air Base, near the Estonian capital Tallinn, until November 30.
The deployment forms part of NATO’s enhanced air policing mission, which is designed to safeguard the airspace of member states in the Baltic region.
Turkish defence officials said the mission reflects the alliance’s commitment to maintaining collective security and protecting its eastern borders.
“During this mission, our units will contribute to the security of Baltic airspace as part of NATO’s joint air defence activities,” the ministry said in a statement.
NATO has significantly reinforced its military posture across Eastern Europe since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
READ ALSO: Pakistan PM Sharif Arrives in Turkiye for Talks on Trade, Investment
The Baltic states—Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania—have repeatedly expressed concern over regional security due to their proximity to Russia.
In recent years, Estonia and its Baltic neighbours have also reported an increasing number of suspected drone incursions and other airspace violations, heightening the need for continuous aerial surveillance and rapid response capabilities.
Türkiye’s latest deployment underscores its ongoing contribution to NATO operations and the alliance’s broader efforts to deter potential threats and ensure stability across the Baltic region.
