Royal Air Force personnel from 121 Expeditionary Air Wing, formally assumed responsibility for NATO’s Enhanced Air Policing mission in Romania during a handover ceremony at 86th Air Base, Borcea on 31 March 2026.
This marks the beginning of the UK’s four‑month contribution to Operation Biloxi 2026, supporting NATO’s Eastern Sentry vigilance activity on the Alliance’s eastern flank.
The RAF detachment succeeds the outgoing German Eurofighter contingent, demonstrating the high degree of interoperability and unity that underpins NATO air operations. RAF Typhoon aircraft from 3 (Fighter) Squadron will now undertake Quick Reaction Alert duties and conduct joint training activities alongside Romanian counterparts to enhance how they work together and reinforce NATO’s collective defence posture on its most eastern border.
The ceremony, hosted by the Romanian Air Force, highlighted the continued cooperation between Allied nations.
The UK has regularly supported NATO Air Policing missions in Romania since 2014, demonstrating the RAF’s readiness, professionalism, and integration with partner air forces. This deployment continues that support, ensuring the Alliance maintains a credible and capable presence at a time of heightened vigilance along NATO’s borders.
