The German Air Force has deployed its mobile tactical air command system to Latvia in an effort to monitor the Baltic skies.
The move is in line with Nato's assurance measures on its Eastern Border under operation Persistent Presence.
The deployable control and reporting centre (DCRC) will be used to identify and track flights over the Baltics.
The equipment including DCRC and a deployable radio system is stationed at Lielvarde Airbase, with the support of the Latvian military.
DCRC is integrated into BALTNET, the Baltic Air Surveillance Network, which is a part of Nato’s air surveillance and control system.
DCRC Detachment commander lieutenant colonel Oliver Eisenberg said: “With our sensors we pick up everything what is in the air and identify it and provide it for Nato that they have an overview about the air situation about Nato airspace.
“With our antennas, we are able to control the fighters from any base, overhead the Baltic states.”
During the three-month deployment of DCRC, training of Latvian forces will also take place.
Operation 'Persistent Presence' is a US commitment to European security on air, land and at sea in the wake of the Russian intervention in Ukraine.
As part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, the US is working on improving Nato military plans and defence capabilities, and remains committed to maintaining a persistent presence in Eastern Europe.
Multinational training and security cooperation activities are conducted in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary to improve interoperability, strengthen relationships and trust among allied armies.
These events also contribute to regional stability, and demonstrate US commitment to Nato, the US Army Europe said in a statement.
Additionally, Nato is updating its defence plans and is developing a readiness action plan that includes a review of joint exercises, threat assessments, intelligence-sharing arrangements, early-warning procedures, and crisis response planning.
