Turkish Air Force Takes Over NATO Enhanced Air Policing Mission

The Turkish Air Force's 181st Jet Squadron has taken over the NATO Enhanced Air Policing Mission, Block-72. After completing its transfer to the Amari Air Base in Estonia on July 29, the squadron conducted familiarization flights on July 30-31 and completed planned briefings and preparations.

The handover ceremony, organized by Estonia on July 31, was attended by NATO Representative (HQ AIRCOM Air Command and Control Leader) Colonel Keith D. Mckee, Estonian Minister of Defense Hanno Pevkur, Portuguese Minister of National Defense Joao Nuno de Lacerda Teixeira de Melo, Turkish Representative to Tallinn Ambassador Başak Türkoğlu, and personnel from the Turkish Air Force Command. The 181st Jet Squadron took over the NATO Enhanced Air Policing Mission, Block-72, as of 09:00 on August 1, 2026. During its tenure, the squadron will maintain a 24/7 alert-react duty and conduct joint tasks with the NATO and Estonian Air Forces.

Key moments from the handover ceremony were shared.