NATO issues caution to Eurofighter jets stationed in Romania

In a recent development, the German Air Force has deployed five Eurofighters as part of the Enhanced Air Policing South mission, a NATO initiative aimed at reinforcing air policing in the southern alliance. This deployment, which began this month and is scheduled to last until March 2026, includes participation from several NATO countries, including Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal, and Germany.

The German Armed Forces spokesman confirmed that Russian weapon systems approached Romanian airspace, prompting a swift response from the German Eurofighters. This incident, which occurred overnight on Wednesday, marked the first quick reaction alert of the new deployment.

The German combat aircraft are on an alert rotation, ready for takeoff around the clock. Upon receiving information about the Russian air activity, the aircraft took off from the Romanian military airbase Mihail Kogălniceanu near Constanța. However, it is important to note that the airspace was not violated in the incident.

The deployment is part of a broader effort to strengthen NATO's military capabilities. It is designed to help NATO partners build up military capabilities they lack. This mission, which involves armed protective flights to secure NATO's southeastern flank, is not the first time German forces have been involved in such operations.

In a related development, Russian air strikes occurred on the Ukrainian border region adjacent to Romania. Despite these tensions, the German Eurofighters returned to base without incident, marking the successful completion of their first mission.

Approximately 170 soldiers are accompanying the German Air Force for this deployment. The other NATO countries participating in the rotational security flights are also contributing personnel and resources to the mission.

This current German deployment is not the first of its kind. In the past, NATO countries have taken turns providing support for this mission, demonstrating the alliance's commitment to collective defence and maintaining peace and stability in the region.

As the situation continues to evolve, it is expected that the German Eurofighters will remain vigilant and ready to respond to any potential threats to NATO's airspace. The Enhanced Air Policing South mission serves as a testament to NATO's unity and resolve in the face of challenges to international security.