On 18 August 2026, NATO Allied Air Command conducted a defensive activity in the Baltic region involving U.S. and Norwegian fighter aircraft, Polish ground forces, and a NATO E-3A Airborne Warning & Control System (AWACS). The operation was overseen by the U.S. and described as an 'Allied activity' rather than a routine training exercise. NATO cited operational security restrictions and declined to provide further details. The spokesperson for SHAPE, Col. Martin O'Donnell, provided the official statement. There is no indication this activity was a direct response to any active Russian air operations.

On 18 August 2026, NATO Allied Air Command conducted a defensive activity in the Baltic region involving U.S. and Norwegian fighter aircraft, Polish ground forces, and a NATO E-3A Airborne Warning & Control System (AWACS). The operation was overseen by the U.S. and described as an 'Allied activity' rather than a routine training exercise. NATO cited operational security restrictions and declined to provide further details. The spokesperson for SHAPE, Col. Martin O'Donnell, provided the official statement. There is no indication this activity was a direct response to any active Russian air operations.