Two NATO AWACS Support BALTOPS25 from Lithuania

As the large-scale multinational exercise BALTOPS25 unfolds in the Baltic Sea, NATO is reinforcing its airborne surveillance with the deployment of two E-3 AWACS aircraft, both operating today from Šiauliai Air Base, Lithuania.

The aircraft—registered LX-N90443 and LX-N90445—were tracked flying separate orbits over Latvia and northern Poland, highlighting NATO’s strategic focus on airspace monitoring during high-intensity joint drills.

BALTOPS25 involves over 9,000 troops, more than 40 ships, and 25 aircraft from 16 NATO Allies, including the United States and Latvia. The exercise, which runs in international waters and airspace of the Baltic region, aims to enhance interoperability, maritime security, and readiness across allied forces.

The presence of these Boeing E-3A and E-3B Sentry aircraft, equipped with powerful radar systems, provides real-time command and control, ensuring a secure and coordinated environment for naval and air units participating in the drill.

Šiauliai Air Base continues to serve as a critical forward operating location for NATO air missions on the eastern flank, particularly during multinational efforts such as BALTOPS, underlining Lithuania’s growing role in allied deterrence and defense posture.