France Deploys Four Rafale Fighters and 100 Personnel to Lithuania for Baltic Air Policing Mission Starting 28 March 2026

On 28 March 2026, France commences its 26th Baltic Air Policing rotation by deploying four Rafale F4.1 multirole fighters and about 100 personnel to Šiauliai Air Base, Lithuania. As part of NATO's longstanding Baltic Air Policing mission, this deployment contributes to continuous airspace surveillance and defense for Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, safeguarding their sovereignty against unauthorized aerial incursions. France assumes the lead nation role for the first time, collaborating closely with Portuguese air units. The contingent includes fighter pilots, weapon systems officers, mechanics, air commandos, firefighters, medical service members, energy specialists, and information and communication system experts. This deployment strengthens NATO's defensive deterrence on its eastern flank in response to heightened security threats following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.