The Vilkas Tactical Air Detachment faces the final stretch of its mission

The Spanish contingent maintains its high level of operational readiness and its commitment to allied air defence

The Spanish airmen who make up the TAD “Vilkas”, under the NATO designation Baltic Air Policing (BAP) 70, are facing the final stretch of this international mission, maintaining their high level of operational readiness and reinforcing their commitment to the security and defence of Allied airspace on NATO’s eastern flank.

To date, the 200 Spanish Air and Space Force personnel deployed in Lithuania have conducted around twenty air policing missions known as A-Scrambles, within the framework of NATO Operation Persistent Effort and under the enhanced Vigilance Activity (eVA) Eastern Sentry.

During these missions, airspace surveillance and security were provided in response to the detection of aircraft or drones flying near NATO’s eastern flank. In all cases, the fighter patrols returned safely to base after successfully completing their missions.

Throughout the deployment, personnel have also enhanced their training in key capabilities such as Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD), Close Air Support (CAS) and Special Operations Air-Land Integration (SOALI). One example of this ongoing training was the international exercise SHADOW TIGER, in which the Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) from the Parachute Sappers Squadron (EZAPAC) took part. This international exercise was conducted in the vicinity of Panevezys and was aimed at improving interoperability with air-ground integration elements of Lithuanian special operations forces.

The TAD “Vilkas” has also participated in several activities aimed at promoting defence awareness in the Baltic States. Among these were the commemorations of the Independence Day of Lithuania and Estonia, as well as the opening ceremony of the exhibition by Spanish painter Augusto Ferrer-Dalmau. Entitled “600 Years of Spanish History across Four Continents”, the event was attended by a large representation of TAD Vilkas personnel, who accompanied the Ambassador of Spain to Lithuania on such a special occasion.

TAD “Vilkas”: Spain’s firm commitment to NATO

Spain assumed leadership of the Baltic Air Policing mission (BAP) at the beginning of December 2025 as a fundamental component of NATO Operation Persistent Effort. At the same time, TAD “Vilkas” continues to contribute to the enhanced Vigilance Activity (eVA) Eastern Sentry, strengthening defensive measures in its area of responsibility in order to prevent any unidentified incursions into Allied airspace.

In terms of its composition, the TAD “Vilkas” currently consists of twelve aircraft: eleven EF-18M Hornet fighters, belonging to Wing 15 (Zaragoza), and one TK23 A400M from Wing 31 (Zaragoza). Together, they make up the largest Spanish air deployment to date on the eastern flank, and they are demonstrating their effectiveness in the deterrence and collective defence of NATO and, therefore, of Spain.