Slovak F-16s to be Deployed for Baltic Airspace Patrols

Slovak F-16 fighter jets will be deployed to patrol the airspace of the Baltic states as part of a NATO mission. The deployment of the aircraft in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia is scheduled for late 2027.

This was announced by Slovak Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák during a conference in Poland, according to Future Army. Participation in the Air Policing mission will be part of the country’s international commitments.

As part of the operation, allies typically deploy four fighter jets and between 50 and 100 technical and flight personnel. Rotations in the Baltic region last three to four months, providing protection for countries that do not have their own air forces.

The Alliance has long used this mechanism to protect the territories of individual member states. For example, Luxembourg’s airspace is defended by the Belgian Air Force, while Albania and Slovenia are covered by Italian aircraft. Czech pilots have previously gained experience patrolling in Iceland and the Baltics on Gripen fighter jets.

Slovakia has already received all 14 of the ordered F-16 Block 70 fighters. Ten aircraft are currently in the country, while pilots are still undergoing training in the U.S. on the other four. Defense Minister Kaliňák is also considering the possibility of placing an additional order for four more aircraft of this type.

Currently, Slovakia’s airspace is defended by neighboring NATO countries — Czechia, Poland, and Hungary. This arrangement will remain in place until Slovakia’s own F-16s are fully operational.

In 2020, a Slovak artillery unit joined the NATO battlegroup in Latvia, which was deployed in 2017.