18:17 GMT, March 18, 2010 March 17, Headquarters Allied Air Command Ramstein (HQ AC Ramstein, Germany) will conduct Baltic Region Training Event V (BRTE V) in the airspace above Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. The event is designed to enhance control of NATO Airspace Surveillance and Control over the Baltic region as well as to provide training opportunity to air assets deployed on NATO's Baltic Air-policing mission.

BRTE V is the fifth in a series of such events conducted by NATO in the Baltic region with the first having taken place in October of 2008, second - April of 2009, third - June of last year, and forth - in September.

Two „Mirage" 2000C jets of the French Air Contingent currently in charge of security of the Baltic skies, two F-16 fighter-jets of the Polish Air Force, two light assault aircrafts L39 „Albatross" of the Lithuanian Air Force and transport aircraft CASA C-295M of the Polish Air Force are planned to fly in BRTE V.

Scenario of the exercise involves the Polish transport aircraft take-off from Poland towards the Baltic States and imitate aircraft experiencing disruption of radio communication with air traffic control centre. Polish fighter-jets will intercept and escort the aircraft in line with NATO procedures to the exercise area were it will be intercepted by the French fighter-jets and light assault aircrafts of the Lithuanian Air Force. The transport aircraft will be escorted and landed at the Tallinn International Airport. Aircrafts participating in the event will be controlled by the Control and Reporting Centre at Karmelava (Lithuania) of the Baltic States.

Headquarters Allied Air Command Ramstein (HQ AC Ramstein, Germany) plans and conducts air training events to improve command and control of NATO's airspace surveillance and control, air policing, and other air capabilities deployed in the Baltic region. By the program NATO aims at improving interoperability and integration of the Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian Air Forces in line with valid NATO standards. The exercise is also aimed at providing improvement opportunities for NATO's airspace surveillance and control and for Baltic air policing capabilities in the Baltic States, as well as a chance for aircrews to familiarise with specific traits of the Baltic airspace.

NATO foresees arranging such events on a regular basis during rotations of every air contingent performing Baltic Air-policing mission.

NATO introduced the Baltic Air-policing mission in 2004 when Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia became members of the Alliance.

Time of the event may be delayed to March 18 or 19 due to weather conditions. Operations of the training event will be conducted in the height not visible from the ground.

More information about BRTE V is available at: http://www.airn.nato.int/BRTE_V/index.htm