NATO is happy with the Lithuania-based Baltic air policing mission but a backup base might be considered in response to Estonia's proposal, a NATO general said in Vilnius on Wednesday.
NATO may consider Estonian backup base for Baltic air policing mission
18th July 2013, 11:41
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The rapid air force response function carried out by other NATO member countries in the Baltic states is «very efficient», Supreme Allied Commander Transformation Jean-Paul Palomeros said.
«Every nation has the right to have this own national perspective. But we must keep in mind that we must concentrate on the efficiency of the mission. I consider that the mission is very efficient,» Palomeros said in an interview with BNS.
«On the other hand, we need - as an airman I know that very well - alternate fields because you cannot run operation from one single base, you need alternate fields, if necessary,» the French general said.
Estonia is seeking rotation of the air policing mission as of 2015, saying that NATO fighter jets should not only land in Lithuania but also in the Estonian base of Amari.
Lithuania in turn wants its Air Force base in Siauliai to keep its status as the main and permanent place of deployment, arguing that the rotation scheme would pull up costs considerably.
So far 14 members of the alliance have taken part in the mission on three-month rotation.