NATO Air Policing Exercise Over the Baltics

NATO air policing teams from Germany, the UK and Poland flew joint intercept drills over the Baltic States on November 12, 2025.

On November 12, 2025, NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) air forces conducted a coordinated NATO air policing exercise across the Baltic States, deploying German, United Kingdom and Polish units to practice rapid-response intercepts. The participating squadrons used Eurofighter Typhoon multi-role fighters and F-16 Fighting Falcon jets to simulate realistic airspace challenges and collective defence scenarios.

Aircraft and crews from Germany (DEU), the United Kingdom (GBR) and Poland (POL) worked from allied bases in the region to validate command-and-control procedures and scramble times. NATO officials said the exercise reinforced rules for identifying and escorting unknown aircraft, and improved communication between national air surveillance and NATO tactical controllers.

NATO air policing: goals and takeaways

The main objective of the drill was interoperability — ensuring different aircraft types, tactical data links and procedures mesh under pressure. Pilots practiced visual identification, simulated radio call-ups and coordinated handovers between control sectors. Exercises like this are part of routine air policing rotations along NATO’s eastern flank, intended to maintain airspace integrity and deter potential threats.

Key aim: strengthen NATO air policing coordination among Germany (DEU), the United Kingdom (GBR) and Poland (POL).

Officials emphasised that these sorties are defensive and planned well in advance, focusing on readiness rather than escalation. While NATO did not release flight numbers or exact base names for operational security, the alliance confirmed the activity in a November 12, 2025 statement and framed it as part of continuing reassurance measures for the Baltic States.

For aviation-watchers, the exercise was notable for the mix of Typhoon and F-16 types operating in the same tactical environment — a common configuration in NATO where older and newer platforms must seamlessly share the battlespace. Observers will be watching for follow-up exercises and any updates from national air forces about lessons learned.