King Felipe VI has expressed gratitude towards the Spanish aviators protecting the Baltic republics’ airspace from Russian aircraft incursions. The King visited the base in Siauliai, Lithuania, to thank the Vilkas detachment for their mission, highlighting Spain’s commitment to NATO. The Spanish aviators, stationed since April 1st, are part of a rotation ensuring the defense of the Baltic republics, lacking combat aviation. They participate in intercept exercises and real alerts against Russian military aircraft violating NATO airspace.
The King witnessed a Tango Scramble exercise, where F-18 jets intercept suspicious aircraft without a transponder or flight plan. Since the current deployment, there have been 18 Alfa Scramble alerts, the latest occurring on Friday due to Russian military aircraft near Kaliningrad. The Spanish jets approach the unidentified aircraft to deter violations, showcasing Spain’s role in maintaining security in the region. Similar missions will continue, with a new deployment in Romania with Eurofighter jets starting December 1st to patrol the Black Sea for four months.
During a lunch with the Lithuanian President, Felipe VI reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to Baltic security and assistance to Ukraine. Spain will provide Ukraine with €1 billion worth of arms this year, supporting its humanitarian, economic, and military needs. The King emphasized Spain’s contributions to regional stability in the face of wavering allied support. Spain also seeks business interests in Baltic infrastructure projects, including a high-speed rail connecting the Baltic states to Europe and a maritime wind farm near Klaipeda.
After visiting a memorial for those killed during the 1991 Soviet crackdown on Lithuanian independence, King Felipe VI will continue his tour in the Baltic republics. In Latvia, he will visit the Adazi base, where 650 Spanish military personnel are part of NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence Operation. The absence of government officials on the King’s trip, unprecedented for a Spanish royal visit, raises questions about protocol. The Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, will join the delegation, marking the conclusion of the Baltic tour.
Spanish aviators stationed in the Baltic are lauded for their role in safeguarding regional security amidst tensions with Russia. King Felipe VI’s visit to Lithuanian and upcoming trip to Latvia underscore Spain’s commitment to NATO and European security. Through military deployments, arms support for Ukraine, and business interests in Baltic projects, Spain aims to contribute to regional stability and cooperation. The King’s presence highlights the importance of international partnerships in preserving peace and security in the Baltic region.
