The Royal Air Force (RAF) and British Army personnel visited the Land Forces’
Communications Academy in Sibiu, Romania last week to highlight the importance of
interoperability during NATO’s enhanced Air Policing mission.
The British contingent, deployed on Operation BILOXI—the UK’s contribution to NATO Air
Policing—delivered presentations on Air Policing and related communications to more than
180 cadets during the June 2 visit.
As part of the visit, the team led a practical exercise placing cadets in the role of NATO
communications specialists. Cadets were tasked with planning how to deliver secure
communications for a NATO detachment while overcoming challenges such as difficult
terrain and multinational coordination.
Speaking about the visit, the RAF’s deployed commander, Wing Commander Daryl, said:
“It is important that we demonstrate the strength of the UK–Romania relationship to the
next generation of service personnel. As NATO allies, interoperability is vital, and it must
be at the heart of training for the future force.”
The Royal Air Force is in Romanian conducting NATOs enhanced Air Policing (eAP) with
Eurofighter Typhoons from 3 (F) Sqn, RAF Coningsby. The UK refers to this contribution to
Air Policing as Operation BILOXI.
NATO Air Policing is a permanent peacetime mission that aims to preserve the security of
Allied skies. It is a collective task and involves the continuous presence – 24 hours a day,
365 days a year – of fighter aircraft and crews, which are ready to react quickly to possible
airspace violations.
NATO Air Policing is conducted within the broader NATO Integrated Air and Missile
Defense (IAMD) framework, which also includes air surveillance radars, surface-based air
defense systems and ballistic missile defense systems.
The Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) is responsible for the conduct of
NATO Air Policing.
Established in 1961 during the Cold War, NATO Air Policing has been an integral part of
NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) for decades. On duty 24/7/365, NATO Air
Policing is a constant in a rapidly changing security environment, giving NATO the
capability to protect its skies in peacetime. It is a clear sign of cohesion, shared
responsibility and solidarity across the Alliance.
PHOTOS | UK Armed Forces MPs visit RAF personnel conducting NATO enhanced Air Policing in Romania
