Acting NATO spokesperson Dylan White emphasized the significance of this mission, stating:

“Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has increased our focus on the security environment in the Baltic Sea region.”

The AWACS aircraft in question are part of NATO’s existing fleet of 14 Boeing E-3A AWACS, typically stationed in Geilenkirchen, Germany.

These surveillance aircraft, a military modification of the Boeing 707 airliner, possess impressive capabilities, capable of remaining airborne for eight and a half hours at an altitude of 9,000 meters (30,000 feet). Their surveillance capabilities extend—thanks to its mounted rotating radar dome—to an area as vast as Poland, making them an invaluable early warning resource for NATO. Moreover, these aircraft can enhance their endurance through air-to-air refueling, further solidifying their role in NATO’s security apparatus.

The first E-3A prototype flew in 1972, and it entered US Air Force service in 1977. Over the years, it has undergone significant upgrades to enhance its radar systems, communications, and mission capabilities, serving as a vital asset for the United States and NATO in maintaining situational awareness and command and control.

The AWACS will embark on reconnaissance flights over NATO territory in the near future, with the mission anticipated to span several weeks. To support the operation, approximately 150 military personnel will be deployed to Šiauliai, a city in northern Lithuania.

Commitment to Eastern Flank

The decision to station surveillance planes in Lithuania underscores NATO’s commitment to strengthening its eastern flank, a strategy that has been in motion since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014.

In response to the evolving security landscape, NATO took significant steps to deter potential Russian aggression by deploying the first battalion-sized multinational battlegroups in 2017. These battlegroups were stationed in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland.

However, in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, NATO expanded its deployment to encompass four additional Eastern European countries: Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia.

This enlargement reflects NATO’s unwavering dedication to the security of its member states and the need to confront emerging threats in the region.

The NATO E-3A Sentry airborne early warning aircraft arrived from Turkey to Lithuania.

Earlier, NATO announced that the bloc would send two AWACS aircraft to Lithuania to monitor Russian military activities near the alliance’s borders pic.twitter.com/pdmok93IJO

— Sprinter (@Sprinter99800) September 28, 2023

A Sevenfold Increase in Troop Readiness

One of the primary objectives of this deployment is to increase the number of forces on high alert, a move that will see a sevenfold expansion to over 300,000 troops.

This substantial augmentation in troop strength sends a clear message to potential aggressors, emphasizing NATO’s readiness and determination to protect its member nations.

Securing Airspace Beyond Borders

In addition to the troop buildup, NATO is also implementing other measures to ensure regional security.

These measures encompass the deployment of both manned and unmanned aircraft to police member airspace. This proactive approach extends beyond NATO’s immediate borders and includes the airspace of countries like Finland and Romania, further reinforcing the alliance’s collective defense capabilities.

Gratitude to Lithuania for Hosting

Acting spokesperson Dylan White expressed gratitude to Lithuania for hosting the AWACS aircraft, recognizing it as a significant contribution to the shared security of NATO member states.

“Our AWACS can detect aircraft and missiles hundreds of kilometres away, making them a key early warning capability for NATO. I thank Lithuania for hosting the aircraft. This is an important contribution to our shared security,” Dylan remarked.

The deployment of surveillance planes in Lithuania serves as a tangible manifestation of NATO’s commitment to safeguarding the Baltic Sea region and deterring potential adversaries.

A Vigilant NATO in a Tense Region

As tensions continue to simmer in the vicinity of NATO’s eastern flank, the alliance remains steadfast in its mission to maintain stability and security in the region.

The arrival of the AWACS aircraft in Lithuania is a testament to NATO’s proactive and vigilant approach in the face of evolving threats, underscoring the alliance’s dedication to the defense of its member nations and the preservation of peace in Europe.