The statement from the ministry says that the government of Latvia has requested NATO allies to strengthen the protection of its airspace to ensure the safe conduct of parliamentary elections. This request was prompted by repeated violations of the airspace of the Baltic states by drones recorded in recent weeks and months. Along with the fighters, Bundeswehr soldiers and other specialists will arrive in Latvia to participate in monitoring NATO's airspace. Their work will take place within the framework of enhanced airspace patrols — one component of the integrated air and missile defense system of the alliance. As reported to the LETA agency by the Ministry of Defense of Latvia, the deployment of German fighters is aimed at strengthening the protection of the country's airspace, including during the elections to the 15th Saeima. Additional support for Latvia will also be provided by the air forces of Italy and Turkey. According to the Latvian defense ministry, the involvement of allied fighters is being carried out at the initiative of the Minister of Defense. Latvia has reached out to NATO partners with a request to enhance airspace protection and response capabilities to potential threats during the elections. Four German Eurofighters will be temporarily stationed in Latvia and will carry out tasks as part of NATO's enhanced airspace patrol mission. Italy, whose contingent currently leads the NATO mission for airspace patrols over the Baltic states from the Šiauliai airbase in Lithuania, has also responded to Latvia's request and will take on additional commitments to ensure the country's air security. The Turkish Air Force fighters stationed at the Ämari airbase in Estonia will also join in strengthening the protection of Latvia's airspace. Along with fulfilling the primary tasks of the NATO mission, they will provide additional support to Latvia. Currently, the Turkish Air Force is using F-16 fighters at the Ämari base. The Ministry of Defense of Latvia notes that the deployment of German aircraft will simultaneously test NATO's ability to rapidly deploy and accept allied forces, as well as the readiness of the National Armed Forces base in Lielvārde to accommodate and support allied aviation. As previously reported, in recent months, drones have repeatedly invaded the airspace of the Baltic states. These incidents are related to the security situation arising from Russia's war against Ukraine and demonstrate the need for further strengthening of air defense on NATO's eastern flank, including Latvia. The National Armed Forces, together with NATO allies, continuously monitor Latvia's airspace and maintain readiness to respond to potential threats.
