The Ministry of Defense announces the first mission of the F-16 detachment deployed in Lithuania, where the Romanian aircraft intercepted a Russian military plane over the Baltic Sea.

The Ministry of National Defense (MApN) announced that Romania's F-16 aircraft carried out their first mission as part of the deployed detachment in Lithuania, intercepting a Russian military aircraft IL-20 COOT A, which was flying without radio contact in the international airspace of the Baltic States. The Romanian aircraft identified and escorted the Russian plane until it left the operational area.

The 'Carpathian Vipers' detachment, consisting of approximately 100 military personnel and six F-16 aircraft, began the Enhanced Air Policing mission on April 1, 2026, with the role of ensuring the security of the Baltic airspace. This is the fourth deployment of Romanian aircraft in the Baltic area, continuing Romania's commitment to international defense missions. MApN emphasizes the importance of intervention to clarify the air situation and apply legal measures against unauthorized aircraft.