Germany to deploy Eurofighters to Latvia to protect airspace during election
Germany will deploy four Eurofighter jets to Latvia to help protect the NATO country’s airspace during its parliamentary election on Oct. 3, following repeated drone incursions over the Baltic states.
Latvia requested assistance from its NATO allies to ensure the election could be held safely amid repeated violations of Baltic airspace by drones in recent weeks and months, Germany’s Defense Ministry said.
The German Air Force will deploy four Eurofighters from Tactical Air Wing 74 from late September through early October.
The mission will be conducted as part of NATO’s enhanced Air Policing North and its integrated air and missile defense system.
Germany said the deployment was intended to reinforce NATO air defenses and deterrence on the alliance’s eastern flank.
Latvia has recorded several drone incursions this year. In August, NATO fighter jets shot down an unidentified drone that entered Latvian airspace. Another drone was shot down in June, while several others entered the country in May, with two crashing on Latvian territory.