Turkish F-16s to patrol Baltic airspace

Turkish F-16 fighter jets will conduct round-the-clock air policing missions over the Baltic states from August through November, Anadolu Agency reports.

According to the report, the Turkish aircraft will be deployed to Ämari Air Base in Estonia. The contingent will consist of five F-16 fighter jets and 76 personnel from the 181st Panther Jet Squadron.

"The fighter jets will remain on 24-hour combat readiness and respond to airspace violations and unidentified aerial targets," the report said.

The Turkish Air Force will contribute to NATO's Baltic Air Policing mission.

A senior Turkish official told the agency that the mission was specifically established to protect the airspace of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, which do not operate their own fighter aircraft.