Denmark and Portugal take over NATO's Baltic Air Policing Mission from Spain

VILNIUS – Denmark and Portugal on Tuesday took over NATO's Baltic air-policing mission replacing the Spanish contingent following the completion of its four-month rotation, the Ministry of Defense said in a press release.

The Danes and the Portuguese will patrol Baltic airspace using eight F-16 fighter jets.

According to Deputy Defense Minister Vilius Semeska, the continuous air policing mission “sends a strong message about NATO’s solidarity” and makes an important contribution to deterrence and peace keeping in our region.

This is the eighth time Denmark contributes to the mission and the fifth Baltic air-policing deployment for Portugal.

The Danish fighter jets are accompanied by a contingent of up to 100 troops, including pilots, technicians, medical personnel, support staff, communication and other specialists.

Portugal will provide augmentation of the NATO air policing mission by deploying additional 100 troops.

The NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission has been continuously performed since 2004.