The Detached National Force of 84 soldiers and four F-16M, from the Portuguese Air Force, begun yesterday, 31st of August, at Siauliai Air Base, in Lithuania, the mission “Enhanced Air Policing” to guarantee the defense of the NATO airspace in the Baltic States.

The portuguese military personnel will remain in the country until 30th of November, in order to protect the integrity of the NATO allied countries demonstrating with transparency the Alliance ability to operate together for the collective security.

To mark the beginning of the detachment, an official commander's transfer ceremony was held with the participation of high-ranking military and civilian entities from Lithuania, Spain, Denmark and Portugal.

Portugal and Denmark became holders of the “key” to the Baltic airspace, assuming responsibility for the Air Policing in the region until the end of November.