RAF Typhoons arrive in Romania to resume NATO Air Policing Mission

Photo RAF / Crown copyright

Royal Air Force Typhoon jets, based at RAF Lossiemouth, have arrived in Romania to begin the UK’s pre-planned NATO Air Policing mission.

Four Typhoons from IX(B) Squadron flew into Mihail Kogalniceanu airbase on the Black Sea coast near Constanta, Romania where they will carry out the NATO enhanced Air Policing (eAP) mission for this summer’s deployment. The mission enhances the national Air Policing conducted by the Romanian Air Force as part of the NATO collective air defence system.

Wing Commander Lamping is the Commanding Officer of 121 Expeditionary Air Wing (121 EAW); the unit that arrived in Romania ahead of the Typhoon and is responsible for operating the RAF aircraft.

Photo RAF / Crown copyright

    “This pre-planned deployment is the latest RAF contribution to NATO Air Policing.  We have returned to Romania to reassure our allies that the UK is fully committed to working alongside our NATO partners to secure the Alliance’s skies.

    “This defensive Air Policing mission in the Black Sea region is very similar to UK Quick Reaction Alert, so the pilots and supporting personnel are experienced operators when it comes to delivering NATO Air Policing. Despite the difficult circumstances caused by COVID-19 we are well prepared and ready to deliver the mission.”

    Wing Commander Lamping

    Officer Commanding 121 Expeditionary Air Wing

The IX(B) Squadron detachment is augmented by other personnel from across the Service to form 121 EAW, which consists of around 180 personnel who will be well equipped and trained to deliver this NATO enhanced Air Policing role.

This RAF deployment is the third time the United Kingdom has deployed on this Air Policing mission. During the deployment the RAF will be demonstrating NATO’s collective resolve and assurance for our eastern allies, as well as showing that the United Kingdom remains a leading NATO member that is committed to NATO operations.

121 EAW has deployed to conduct this important NATO mission despite the COVID-19 pandemic and all necessary measures have been taken to ensure that both UK and Romanian mandated precautions are being followed.

Photo RAF / Crown copyright

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