As of: February 27, 2024, 10:42 a.m
By: Franziska Schwarz
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CSU boss Söder at the air base: NATO's “air policing” in the Baltics is intended to deter Russia.
The Bundeswehr is involved.
Neuburg an der Donau – Markus Söder has published photos in Tom Cruise poses: He raises his thumb or supports his elbow while sitting in the cockpit.
All dressed in overalls against the backdrop of a real Eurofighter.
The Bavarian Prime Minister is clearly having fun.
CSU boss Markus Söder at the farewell roll call of Luftwaffe Squadron 74 in Neuburg an der Donau © Sven Hoppe/dpa
Markus Söder raves about “'Top Gun' in Bavaria” at the air base
The serious background: Germany is moving five Eurofighters to Latvia to protect NATO airspace over the Baltics.
The fighter jets took off from Neuburg an der Donau and were to be deployed from the Lielvarde military airfield, southeast of the Latvian capital Riga.
The Bavarian Prime Minister Söder (CSU) said goodbye to the soldiers on Monday (February 26th).
The CSU boss then wrote about his visit to the “Tactical Air Wing 74” troops under the motto “Top Gun in Bavaria” and said they were one of the best units in the Air Force.
“We are proud of our excellently trained troops.” Under “PS,” Söder added that he himself was in the Bundeswehr, specifically in the Nuremberg Transport Battalion.
Bundeswehr is increasing air policing in NATO airspace
The soldiers of the “Tactical Air Force Squadron 74” are supposed to protect NATO airspace over the three Baltic states, including Estonia and Lithuania, from the beginning of March to the end of November.
Since the Baltic states joined the alliance 20 years ago, NATO states have regularly relocated aircraft to the region as a visible sign of alliance solidarity.
Initially, the patrol flights took place with Phantom F-4Fs from the Lithuanian Siauliai airfield.
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“Air policing” as a sign of NATO against Putin’s Russia
From 2014 to 2023, Ämari military airfield in Estonia was the base for the German Eurofighters.
Due to renovation work at Ämari Air Base, the Air Force is using Lielvarde Airfield in Latvia this year.
“Since air policing began, German fighter jets have had to take off more than 2,500 times to identify Russian aircraft approaching Baltic airspace,” a spokesman said.
Scholz: “Defend every square meter of NATO territory”
Last week, Chancellor Olaf Scholz also emphasized NATO's cohesion and defense preparedness.
Russia's attack on Ukraine is "imperialist" and "murderous" and Russia wants to use it to rewrite the history of Europe and move the borders by force, said the SPD politician.
As part of the NATO alliance, the German and Estonian navies protected the Baltic Sea.
“Our air force regularly ensures security in Baltic airspace as part of Baltic Air Policing.” With the permanent stationing of a Bundeswehr combat brigade in Lithuania from 2025, Germany is sending a clear signal: “Security in NATO is indivisible.
We are ready to defend every square meter of the alliance’s territory,” said Scholzs in the large ballroom of the Hamburg City Hall.
(frs with dpa)