May 6, 2020
Typhoons head to Lithuania
Royal Air Force Typhoon jets head to Lithuania for their latest summertime deployment — NATO Air Policing
The RAF Typhoon jets, based at RAF Lossiemouth, recently left for Lithuania to begin the UK’s latest NATO Air Policing mission — Operation AZOTIZE.
Op AZOTIZE is the UK contribution to NATO enhanced Air Policing which forms part of NATO’s Baltic Air Policing.
The RAF will be flying from Lithuania this year after last year’s successful deployment to Estonia.
The Typhoon jets, from 6 Squadron aircraft are deploying to Šiauliai Air Base in Lithuania.
They will carry out the Baltic Air Policing mission for the summer, along with the Spanish Air Force, who will be deploying F-18 fighters.
This is a core UK defence task that the RAF is able to continue in addition to supporting the NHS, and other Government departments during the current fight against coronavirus.
“This deployment is the latest RAF contribution to NATO Air Policing. As one of four front-line Squadrons at RAF Lossiemouth, we routinely conduct UK-based Quick Reaction Alert — on standby 24/7 to defend the Nation’s skies.”
— Wing Commander Matt D’Aubyn, the Officer Commanding 6 Squadron
The 6 Squadron detachment will be augmented by other personnel from across the Service to form 135 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW), which consists of around 150 personnel who will be well equipped and trained to deliver this NATO Air Policing role.
The NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltics is very similar to UK Quick Reaction Alert (QRA). The pilots and supporting personnel are experienced operators when it comes to completing this sort of task.
Despite the difficult circumstances caused by COVID-19, they are well prepared and ready to deliver this mission.
“The RAF has been a regular guest of our Baltic hosts; this is the sixth time the United Kingdom has deployed on this Air Policing mission,” —
Wing Commander Stu Gwinnutt, Commanding Officer of 135 Expeditionary Air Wing
Back in 2004, the RAF was the NATO member to conduct, what was then, a new Allied Baltic Air Policing mission from Šiauliai, Lithuania.
During the operation, the RAF will be demonstrating NATO’s collective resolve and assurance for our eastern allies — as well as showing that the UK remains leading NATO member that is committed to NATO operations.
The RAF is deploying to conduct this important NATO mission despite the COVID-19 pandemic. All the necessary measures have been taken to ensure that both the UK and Lithuania are keeping themselves and others safe.
