Prime Minister Kallas met with German and Belgian airmen serving in Ämari

The prime minister noted at the meeting that Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine has made the Baltic Air Policing Mission in Ämari even more important, and NATO has strengthened the deterrence and defence posture of its eastern flank. “Consequently, in October, the German Air Force is reinforced by Belgium to provide enhanced air policing from Ämari air base. NATO is more united than ever in its readiness to defend the entire alliance,” Kallas stressed.

“I thank Germany and Belgium for their contribution to strengthening the defence and deterrence of NATO on its eastern flank. Germany has been among the allies who have contributed most to air policing in the Baltics. In addition to actively contributing to air policing, Germany is the framework country of the NATO battlegroup in Lithuania. Your presence in our region is a clear sign of allied support and we highly appreciate it,” Kallas said. Prime Minister Kallas also highlighted Germany’s pivotal decision to raise defence spending to two per cent of the GDP. “If Germany is strong, Europe is strong,” said Kallas.

Germany will execute two consecutive deployments to the air policing mission in Estonia and their airmen began policing the airspace of the Baltic states from Ämari in August. Germany provides air security with Eurofighter Typhoon fighters. Belgium takes part of the air policing mission with F-16 fighter aircraft.

Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/stenbockimaja/albums/72177720303006526