Portuguese F-16 jets on deployment at Šiauliai Air Base, Lithuania, were scrambled early afternoon April 15, 2024, by the Combined Air Operations Centre Uedem, Germany. This was their first intercept scramble during their seventh Baltic Air Policing deployment. The F-16s approached and escorted two unidentified Russian military aircraft over international waters near NATO airspace until they flew into the Kaliningrad Flight Information Region. With four F-16s and about 95 personnel, the Portuguese detachment integrated with the Spanish F/A-18 detachment leading the 65th rotation. For 20 years, NATO Allies have safeguarded Baltic airspace, demonstrating strong Alliance vigilance, deterrence, and cooperation among Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

Portuguese F-16 jets on deployment at Šiauliai Air Base, Lithuania, were scrambled early afternoon April 15, 2024, by the Combined Air Operations Centre Uedem, Germany. This was their first intercept scramble during their seventh Baltic Air Policing deployment. The F-16s approached and escorted two unidentified Russian military aircraft over international waters near NATO airspace until they flew into the Kaliningrad Flight Information Region. With four F-16s and about 95 personnel, the Portuguese detachment integrated with the Spanish F/A-18 detachment leading the 65th rotation. For 20 years, NATO Allies have safeguarded Baltic airspace, demonstrating strong Alliance vigilance, deterrence, and cooperation among Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.