Since August 2025, German Eurofighters have bolstered NATO’s enhanced Air Policing South mission in Romania, playing a crucial role in securing the southeastern flank of the alliance. This high-stakes operation runs 24/7. What does it involve?
When an alarm sounds, every moment matters. Lieutenant Colonel Tenne dons his flight suit as German Air Force technicians prepare the Eurofighter. With precision, he straps into the ejection seat, the canopy seals, and the ground crew removes the final weapon safety pins. As the jet engines roar to life, the Eurofighter ascends into the sky. The mission is underway.
Securing NATO’s eastern flank
Whether engaged in training exercises or actual alerts, the operations at the Romanian Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, situated near the Black Sea, follow strict protocols. These Quick Reaction Alerts (QRA) are designed to scramble fighter jets swiftly in response to potential aerial threats.
Since August 2025, the German Air Force has stationed five Eurofighters and approximately 170 personnel in Romania, primarily from the 71 Tactical Air Wing “Richthofen,” along with support from the Air Force Force Protection Regiment “Friesland.” Their mission: to safeguard the southeastern flank of NATO adjacent to the Black Sea. “Our detachment’s goal is to identify airspace violations and take necessary action to secure the airspace,” Lieutenant Colonel Tenne, Chief of Flight Operations, shares (Note: all names have been modified in this article).
In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, NATO has reinforced its eastern defenses, not just in Romania but also in the Baltic States to the north, where Eurofighters are also deployed for air policing missions, successfully intercepting unauthorized aircraft. Recently, Spanish Eurofighters stationed in Lithuania intercepted a fighter jet and a tanker aircraft intruding into EU airspace. Furthermore, an increasing number of drones have been challenging NATO airspace; since the initiation of the German deployment in Romania, Russian drones have triggered more than ten alerts, known as ‘alpha scrambles.’
Keeping operations efficient
Readiness is paramount for the crews and aircraft, necessitating constant vigilance. The German Air Force detachment engages in daily exercises with allied forces stationed on base to maintain awareness and ensure pilots can tackle any scenario. “This guarantees our presence in the airspace is recognized, and our pilots are prepared for any potential situation,” Lieutenant Colonel Tenne emphasizes.
While the pilots are essential to the mission, numerous others at the base contribute to its success. First Lieutenant Rebecca, a Technical Officer, underscores the significance of her role. “I manage personnel and material tasks, ensuring my team of experts has the tools, equipment, and working conditions needed to perform their specialized tasks,” she remarks.
The duties are diverse. The crew escape team prepares the pilots’ uniforms and the necessary equipment for flight, while the ground crew works alongside pilots during QRA shifts, facilitating jet operations. “We also conduct debriefings with the pilots post-mission,” First Lieutenant Rebecca states. “This helps us review missions and optimize ground operations for subsequent sorties.”
The Eurofighter: An Essential Asset
At the heart of the German Air Force’s deployment lies the Eurofighter — a significant deterrent that enhances Europe’s collective defense capabilities. “Everything here hinges on speed,” states Lieutenant Colonel Tenne. “We need to be on-site within minutes, and the Eurofighter is engineered for such urgent missions.”
The Eurofighter’s design caters to the demands of modern military operations, enabling adaptability with various sensors and munitions. “It can be tailored to meet specific mission requirements,” Lieutenant Colonel Tenne notes. Its interoperability with other platforms is vital during deployments like the enhanced Air Policing South, where collaboration with diverse allied aircraft is essential.
Emphasizing Teamwork
Successful missions rely fundamentally on teamwork. Every role, procedure, and platform must harmonize as one cohesive unit. “Unity in our mission is crucial,” concludes First Lieutenant Rebecca. “Fostering strong camaraderie with colleagues is the most significant aspect. Genuine friendships have formed here—everyone collaborates effectively.” All of this effort is in service of bolstering NATO’s eastern flank and ensuring mutual security.
Source: Airbus Defence and Space (2026-01-13)
