F-35 aircraft from Italy initiate aerial surveillance over the Baltic region.
In a recent development, the Italian Air Force has taken over the Baltic Air Policing (BAP) duties at the Estonian air base in Emari, marking the fourth rotation of NATO forces in the region since 2004.
The BAP mission was initiated after Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania joined NATO in 2004, as these countries do not have their own fighter jets. The mission's primary role is to protect the airspace of the Baltic states continuously, ensuring collective defense by maintaining a constant presence and readiness across the region.
The Italian F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, designed for airspace defense, strikes on land, sea, and air targets, reconnaissance tasks, and other roles, will be on 24/7 combat duty at the Emari base. This is the first time the Italian Air Force has been on duty at the Emari base.
The F-35 Lightning II is a multi-role fighter aircraft produced in the United States and has been in service with various NATO countries, including Italy. The Portuguese Air Force has been on duty in Emari since April 2025, but they have handed over the air policing duties to the Italians.
The BAP mission underwent an expansion after the 2014 Crimea crisis, with NATO deploying aircraft to multiple bases, including the Estonian air base in Emari. The mission involves quick reaction alert (QRA) fighters ready to intercept any unauthorized or threatening aircraft.
Participating nations in the BAP mission include a range of NATO members who take turns rotating their air force units, pilots, and support staff at Baltic bases. The current rotation includes fighters, pilots, technicians, and mission support personnel from Italy, contributing to airspace security and NATO readiness in the region.
This rotation system is a tangible demonstration of NATO's allied solidarity and commitment to collective defense in a region facing geopolitical challenges. The BAP mission is a core component of NATO's Eastern European defense posture, demonstrating allied cooperation and commitment to air defense.
The BAP mission was extended indefinitely at the 2012 Chicago summit, ensuring its continuation as a crucial element of NATO's presence in the region. A ceremonial rotation ceremony was held at the Estonian air base in Emari on Friday, marking the official handover of duties from the Portuguese to the Italian forces.
The Italian Air Force's participation in the Baltic Air Policing (BAP) mission at the Estonian air base in Emari underscores their commitment to the region's airspace security, which aligns with the mission's primary role in ensuring collective defense and maintaining a constant presence across the Baltic states. This deployment also highlights Italy's involvement in the aerospace industry and finance, given the significant investments in acquiring and maintaining the F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, a multi-role aircraft produced in the United States and utilized by various NATO countries.
