RAF Hand Over NATO Air Policing Duties To Canada
The Royal Air Force has handed over responsibility for the NATO Air Policing mission in Romania to Canada.
The Royal Canadian Air Force's Hornet fighter jets will replace the RAF's Typhoons, which have been stationed at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base for the last four months.
While working on Operation Biloxi, four RAF Typhoons and around 150 British personnel have been based in south-east Romania.
In that time, the RAF conducted eight scrambles in response to 20 Russian aircraft travelling towards NATO airspace.
Last week, RAF Typhoons were scrambled to intercept a Russian Be-12 maritime patrol aircraft, just two days after the British jets shadowed two suspected Russian Su-30 Flanker aircraft over the Black Sea.
This month it was announced that a new relationship between Britain and Romania will support a Romanian training exercise, with the UK taking on a "mentoring role" as part of the partnership.
Next year, the RAF will be also be carrying out similar missions to eAP in Iceland and Estonia.
During the ceremony in Romania, 135 Expeditionary Air Wing (135 EAW) handed over responsibility for the NATO mission to the Canadians.
Yesterday, the Chief Of The Air Staff hailed the work of RAF personnel protecting NATO airspace in Romania as "extremely successful".
At the event was British Ambassador, Mr Andrew Noble. He said: "Today marks the conclusion of the second year in which RAF Typhoons have helped to defend and secure the skies of this important Black Sea flank of the NATO Alliance.
"This mission is in response to Russia’s use of military force against its neighbours and its military build-up in the region.
"NATO’s aim is to contribute to European defence and security by preventing conflict, protecting our allies and preserving the peace."
Commanding 135 EAW throughout the mission was Wing Commander Chris Ball who said:
“Today my team’s role in NATO Air Policing draws to a close, for now, and it is a great honour to handover to the Royal Canadian Air Force as they also prepare to make their contribution to our collective defence in this region for the second year.
"I know they will do a fantastic job and we are, of course, both working hand-in-hand with the Romanian Air Force who never stop providing defence in this region."
Chief of the Romanian Air Force, General Viorel Pana thanked the RAF for its role conducting Quick Reaction Alert duties with its four Typhoon aircraft, hailing the NATO partnership as a success before awarding five members of 135 EAW with the ‘Romanian Air Force Emblem of Honour’ for their commitment and dedication.
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