German Eurofighters deploy to Latvia for airspace security

Four Eurofighter fighter jets from the German Bundeswehr's Tactical Air Force Wing 74 have arrived at Lielvarde Air Base in Latvia to secure the country's airspace. The deployment is intended to support NATO's integrated air and missile defense during Latvia's parliamentary elections scheduled for October 3.

The mission follows requests from the Latvian government for assistance due to recent airspace violations, including incidents involving drones. Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs described the deployment as a “concrete sign of NATO solidarity” and a commitment to protecting the Latvian population.

The German contingent, consisting of a small unit in the mid-double digits, will be stationed in Latvia for approximately one week. This deployment builds on previous security cooperation in the region, including a nine-month deployment of 500 German soldiers to the same base in 2024.