Baltic states to sign declaration on airspace extension for NATO activities

On July 11, Defence Ministers of the Baltic states Arvydas Anušauskas, Inara Mūrniecė, and Hanno Pevkuras will sign a joint declaration on the extension of the Baltic airspace for NATO activities.

The Declaration will lay out the authorization for NATO Allies to use the block airspace of the three Baltic states for NATO deterrence, enhanced vigilance, and large-scale training purposes without restrictions, the Lithuanian defence ministry said in a statement.  

NATO agrees on strengthening its air posture and on the Rotation Air Defence Model which means air-based air defence capabilities deployed to Allied countries on a rotational basis to thus enhance the Alliance’s air and missile defence readiness, rapid response, and mobility. The Joint Declaration of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia will invite NATO Allies to dedicate capabilities for the implementation of the Rotational Air Defence Model.

The Baltic states will also express a joint intent to stay responsive to emerging needs and continue developing airspace solutions, enhancing airspace accessibility for NATO air activity, ensuring top-flight safety standards, and improving civilian and military cooperation between Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.