RAMSTEIN, Germany – The Spanish Air and Space Force and the Turkish Air Force fighters begun familiarisation training with Estonian ground crew and maintainers, Aug. 27, as part of the Spanish and Turkish NATO Air Defence mission in the Baltics.  

Working side by side with our Estonian hosts and Turkish Allies allows us to align our procedures quickly

The recently arrived Spanish Ámbar Tactical Air Detachment used the training to better integrate with Allies currently operating on the Eastern Flank. The detachment activated in Estonia on Aug 25., comprising Spanish aircraft and personnel from Zaragoza, Spain. 

Spanish Major Antonio Mancebo Marín, commander of the Ámbar Detachment in Estonia, greets a Spanish pilot, while Estonian ground crews prepare a Spanish EF-18M Hornet. The Spanish Air and Space Force and the Turkish Air Force fighters completed familiarisation training with Estonian ground crew and maintainers, Aug. 27, as part of the Spanish and Turkish NATO Air Defence mission in the Baltics. Photo courtesy of the Spanish Air and Space Force.A Spanish pilot flies alongside another EF-18M during a familiarisation flight with the Turkish Air Force, Aug. 27. The activity brought together Estonian ground teams, Spanish EF-18M aircraft and Turkish F-16s, allowing personnel from the three Allies to exchange procedures and build a shared understanding of operations at Ämari. Photo courtesy of the Spanish Air and Space Force.

“Our priority is to be ready to assume our operational duties at the earliest opportunity and to provide our Allies with the most effective contribution possible to Baltic Air Defence,” said Spanish Major Antonio Mancebo Marín, commander of the Spanish Air and Space Force’s Ámbar detachment. “Working side by side with our Estonian hosts and Turkish Allies allows us to align our procedures quickly and operate safely and effectively from the very first mission.”  

The activity brought together Estonian ground teams, Spanish EF-18M aircraft and Turkish F-16s, allowing personnel from the three Allies to exchange procedures and build a shared understanding of operations at Ämari.

On the ground, Estonian personnel refuelled Spanish EF-18Ms, while Estonian firefighters and Spanish medical personnel jointly reviewed rescue and emergency response procedures. Coordination briefings enabled the detachments to familiarise themselves with local procedures, strengthen flight safety and improve their ability to operate together.

In the air, Spanish EF-18Ms flew familiarisation sorties alongside Turkish F-16s, giving Allied aircrews an opportunity to refine coordination and increase their shared understanding of the operating environment. Together, the activities linked ground support, emergency response and flying operations through common procedures.

Such cooperation supports NATO’s Air Defence and strengthens the readiness of Allied forces contributing to the defence of the Baltic region. Regular training among host-nation and deployed forces helps ensure personnel can integrate rapidly, operate safely and respond effectively as part of NATO’s defensive posture. By working together from the first stages of a deployment, Allied personnel strengthen cohesion, readiness and collective defence, reinforcing NATO’s ability to protect its territory, populations and NATO airspace.

Across NATO’s Eastern Flank, Italian Eurofighters are deployed to Lithuania; Turkish F-16s to Estonia; and Spanish fighters to Romania and Estonia, as part of NATO’s robust air defence posture.