Aboard French fighter jets defending European borders from Russia • FRANCE 24 English

This report details a mission conducted by French NATO forces stationed in Lithuania, focused on defending Baltic airspace from potential incursions, particularly by Russian aircraft.

Mission Overview

The French air force operates a contingent of four Rafale fighter jets from a base in Lithuania. Their primary responsibility, known as the Baltic Air Police mission, is to provide 24/7 monitoring and, when necessary, interception of aircraft entering Baltic airspace that violate international flying regulations.

Operational Procedures

The mission requires constant readiness, with pilots capable of scram

bling in minutes [00:53].

Interception Process: Upon detecting a suspicious aircraft, the Rafales approach to identify the plane, its nationality, and its weaponry [01:38], [01:53].

Interaction Strategy: Pilots generally operate from a distance [02:13]. They analyze the behavior of the intercepted aircraft rather than immediately initiating radio contact.

Cooperative Aircraft: If the aircraft is cooperative, it is escorted out of Baltic airspace [02:20].

Non-Cooperative/Aggressive Aircraft: Behavior is reported to the chain of command, which may authorize radio contact, warning shots, or, in extreme s

cenarios, opening fire [02:35].

Threat Assessment and Regional Dynamics

The report highlights that threats in the region are evolving. An emerging concern involves drones originating from the conflict in Ukraine.

Drone Course Deviation Mechanism:

+-----------------------+ +-------------------+ +--------------------------+

| Drone launched from | --> | Russian jamming | --> | Loss of GPS signal/ |

| Ukraine heading N | | along Belarus | | unintended entry into |

| (near Belarus border)| | border | | Baltic states |

+--------------------

---+ +-------------------+ +--------------------------+

Strategic Context

The Baltic states, including Lithuania, have limited aerial defense capabilities, relying on rotating NATO detachments for protection [03:27]. The presence of French forces serves as a deterrent and a signal of solidarity among allies [03:44]. The French deployment is scheduled to conclude in late July, at which point Italian forces will assume the mission [04:03].

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Aboard French fighter jets defending European borders from Russia • FRANCE 24 English

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