Belgian F-16s on guard over the Baltic countries
(BRUSSELS2 to Vilnius) The Belgian soldiers have taken up the position of watch over the Baltic countries since September 5, taking over from the French of the 118 from Mont-de-Marsan. This until January 2014, when they will be relieved by the Americans. A mission that is not purely formal. Indeed, according to several sources, the presence of Russian military planes violating the skies of the Baltic countries is not uncommon.
Regular alerts...
« There is not one alert per day. But at least once a week an officer confided to me recently. According to the report drawn up by the French, thus, there were 27 take-offs for alert over 4 months of presence. Even if no proof exists, the voluntary aspect of these alerts is proven. " AT each shift, the Russians test the new arrivals. Kind of like a welcome speech ».
A little provocation too...
And the diaries are carefully scrutinized. During the Lithuanian feast of the coronation of the King, on July 6, the French Mirages which were to ensure the highlight of the parade with a demonstration flight had to cancel their performance. A Russian plane had burst into the air zone...” No coincidence according to a Lithuanian officer I contacted.
Up in the air in 15 minutes
The NATO contract provides for take-off within 15 minutes of the alert. But often it is less. During an alert exercise, carried out in the presence of the Belgian Minister of Defense, Pieter de Crem, they took to the air in record time: seven minutes after the launch of the alert according to my colleague from the agency Belga who attended the exercise.
Read also : Above the Baltic countries, NATO planes keep watch
(Nicolas Gros-Verheyde)
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