F-35 fifth-generation fighter jets have arrived at the newly reopened Ämari Airbase, marking the transition of Baltic Air Policing duties from Germany to the 322 Squadron of the Royal Netherlands Air Force.
"The Netherlands will be the first country after the reopening of the Ämari Airbase to start Air Policing over the Baltic States with the world's most modern stealth fighters," said Defence Minister Pevkur.
The F-35 stealth fighters that have arrived in Ämari are equipped with a weapon system capable of performing fighter, reconnaissance and tactical bomber missions. As a fifth-generation fighter, the F-35's advantages on the battlefield lie in its capability to survive in the advanced threat environment and situational awareness, enabled by stealth technology, sensors, and multilayer data communication.
“We’re ready to operate our fifth-generation fighter jets from Ämari Airbase to provide 24/7 air surveillance and to defend ourselves and our allies. This deployment is aimed at securing the Baltic airspace and one of the The Netherlands’ efforts to provide assurance to our allies on NATO’s eastern flank,” said Royal Netherlands Air Force Detachment Commander Lieutenant Colonel Pascal “Smiley” Smaal.
“Here at Ämari, only three weeks ago, I underscored the importance of state-of-the-art infrastructure for successfully executing our collective mission to protect and defend our Allied populations and territory,” said Lieutenant General Thorsten Poschwatta, Commander of NATO’s Combined Air Operations Centre at Uedem, Germany. “Very fittingly, the first NATO jets to use this newly renovated runway will be fifth generation fighter aircraft - this is a clear demonstration of how Allies invest into new cutting-edge technology and capability to stand up against current and future threats,” he added.
Defence Minister Pevkur presented mission medals to the soldiers of the Spanish NASAMS air defence unit at Ämari Airbase, expressing gratitude for their service and highlighting Spain's leadership in bolstering NATO's air defence posture on its eastern flank. „The Spanish unit has ensured our air defence, conducted interoperability training in Tapa and provided training opportunities for the Estonian Defence Forces,“ noted Pevkur.
Photos from the ceremony
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