NATO bolsters Baltic defence with new airbase in Latvia amid Russian threats

Facing the threat of an attack by Russia, NATO does not cease in its efforts to strengthen its defense potential. Besides purchasing weapons and increasing combat readiness, new infrastructure is also being developed. In March, a new airbase was opened, designed for the stationing of allied fighters. It was established in Lielvārde, Latvia—one of the countries most at risk of an attack from Russia.

Representatives from Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Germany, Spain, Canada, and the USA participated in the opening ceremony of the base. Before its opening, the base underwent an examination and certification by NATO's Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC) in Uedem, Germany, which is responsible for the command and coordination of all the Alliance's air operations north of the Alps. The issuance of the appropriate certificates confirms that the base is ready for receiving and servicing aircraft as well as for safe flight direction.

"This is a memorable day for Latvia and NATO. For the first time in history, the Baltic Air Policing mission will be conducted from the Lielvārde base. We are grateful to our allies who allocate their forces to protect the airspace of NATO and our population. Air forces are key for defense and deterrence within NATO. The ability to conduct air operations from multiple locations proves that the integrated air and missile defense system is flexible and reliable," said Latvian Defense Minister Andris Sprūds.

The whole process went smoothly because there was no time to waste. Right after the official inauguration, the base switched to combat duty mode. It now stations a contingent of German Air Forces carrying out the Baltic Air Policing mission. It consists of four Eurofighter jets and several dozen soldiers for their maintenance and logistical support. The aircraft serve round-the-clock duties guarding the airspace of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, which do not have their own combat aviation.

"For nearly 20 years, since 2004 when Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia joined NATO, the Baltic states have been a symbol of collective defense, and now the Baltic Air Policing mission has physically appeared in Latvia for the first time, meaning that NATO now has three operational bases in this region—one in each country. Both Latvia and Germany have done a great job preparing the base for receiving fighters, as evidenced by the fact that German fighters carried out their first mission just a few hours after the formal announcement of the base's readiness," said Major General Harold van Pee, commander of CAOC Uedem.

As mentioned, the Baltic Air Policing mission has been conducted since 2004. Initially, to protect the airspace of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, four fighters from different NATO countries were allocated on a rotational basis. They operated from the bases in Šiauliai in Lithuania and Ämari in Estonia. Each rotation lasted about three months. Later, with the increase in international tension, the NATO contingent was increased to eight, and then even twelve, fighters stationed four each in Šiauliai, Ämari, and Malbork. In case of an international crisis, reinforcements can be quickly transferred to these bases.

The opening of the Lielvārde base in Latvia not only increases operational flexibility but is also necessitated by the temporary closure of the Ämari airport in Estonia. For several more months, work related to the refurbishment of the runway will be ongoing there. However, the German Control and Reporting Centre (CRC), which will support similar centres in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, will still be deployed there. CRCs are intermediate levels of command. They receive orders from CAOC and directly manage the fighters' actions in their area of responsibility.

The main task of fighters stationed in the Baltic states is to protect their airspace from the potential intrusion of Russian aircraft. However, that is not their only task. NATO fighters also escort Russian military planes flying in international space from the Saint Petersburg area to Kaliningrad or in the opposite direction. Russian planes usually fly without submitting a flight plan and with their transponders turned off, rendering them invisible to civilian air traffic controllers, which poses a collision risk. The NATO fighter flying in formation with Russian planes has its transponder on and is visible on civilian radars, allowing controllers to manage traffic to avoid accidents.