A Royal Air Force Typhoon detachment in Romania has been given the go ahead by NATO to begin conducting NATO enhanced Air Policing patrols in the Black Sea Region.
During a ceremony held at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base in Southern Romania, officers from NATO Air Command, based in Germany, gave formal accreditation for the RAF’s 121 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW) to commence the NATO enhanced Air Policing mission.
"This long planned deployment showcases Allied solidarity, interoperability and cooperation. Following on from the successful Spanish Air Force deployment, this provides a further demonstration of NATO’s ability to assure allies with a credible deterrence and defensive posture in the air.
“As we celebrate 60 years of NATO Air Policing, the opportunity for the Romanian Air Force, the Royal Air Force and NATO Command and Control structures to test and validate procedures, systems and tactics means that NATO can continue to draw on coordinated and integrated Allied Air Forces to provide a single airspace security standard across NATO’s area of responsibility.”
Air Commodore Jason Appleton
Allied Air Command
“Today is a significant part of this important mission for 121 EAW. It clears the EAW to commence air policing operations, reinforcing the readiness and resolve of the RAF to support our NATO Allies in providing a combat-effective, responsive and flexible military capability, able to respond to any acts of aggression and ensure the integrity of NATO airspace in the region.”
Air Vice Marshal Ian Duguid
Air Officer Commanding Number 11 Group
The UK Ambassador to Romania, Mr Andrew Noble, said: “The RAF’s continuing involvement in air policing missions in the Black Sea Region demonstrates the UK’s steadfast commitment to NATO and the assurance, enduring defence and freedoms of our Allies and our Romanian hosts in particular”.
NATO accreditation is awarded following a period of training by 121 EAW to test and assure its air policing procedures.
