Türkiye to deploy F-16 fighter jets to Estonia for NATO air mission

Türkiye will send five F-16 fighter aircraft and 76 military personnel to Estonia’s Ämari Air Base to support NATO air defence operations in Eastern Europe. Scheduled to take place from August through November 2026, the mission will position Turkish aircraft on continuous Quick Reaction Alert status near the alliance’s eastern flank.

The deployment is designed to strengthen NATO’s collective deterrence capabilities and enhance its capacity to monitor and respond to aerial activity in the Baltic region near the Russian border. Through this operation, Turkish forces will contribute to ongoing efforts by alliance member states to safeguard international airspace along sensitive frontier regions.

Sources: Global Defence Corp