Nato has commenced its 22nd Baltic region training event (BRT XXII) at the Lithuanian Air Force Base in Šiauliai.
This Nato-led event is aimed at training the current rotations of the Nato Air Policing mission in the Baltic States. The BRTE XXII is expected to train around 20 aircraft from Nato and partner nations.
The elements participating in the training include four Gripen JAS-39 fighter aircraft of the Hungarian Air Force operated from Šiauliai Air Base and four Eurofighter Typhoon jets of the German Air Forces operated from Amari Air Base in Estonia.
In addition, it involves the C-27J Spartan of the Lithuanian Air Force, air assets from Poland, Norway, and Nato partner countries such as Sweden and Finland.
The aircraft participating in the training will receive mid-air refuelling support from a US E-3A aircraft. In addition, a British airborne warning and control system (AWACS) E-3D aircraft will offer additional command and control.
The civil aeronautical rescue coordination centre (ARCC) will take part in the Baltic Region Training Event series.
In this event, the ARCC will enhance cooperation of military and civilian institutions in joint air operations and coordination of actions among the Baltic Region states.
Nato Allied Air Command based at Ramstein (Germany) conducts two-day BRTEs three times per year since 2008.
BRTE is designed to enhance command and control of Nato airspace surveillance and control, and of air policing and other air capabilities in the Baltic Region.
Currently, Nato deploys military personnel and aircraft to guard the airspace of Baltic nations of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania, after the Russian annexation of Crimea.
Recently, the Hungarian Air Force took the lead role in Baltic air policing mission, replacing the Royal Norwegian Air Force in the task.
Image: Aircrafts taking off from a runway. Photo: © Ministry of National Defence Republic of Lithuania.
