In a strong demonstration of unity and deterrence, U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer strategic bombers flew over Latvia’s Freedom Monument in the heart of Riga, capital of Latvia, on August 19, accompanied by fighter jets from allied NATO countries. The flyover was highlighted in a social media post by the United States Embassy in Riga, emphasizing the alliance’s strength, cohesion, and readiness.
“U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers flew over Latvia‘s Freedom Monument today, joined by Allied fighter jets in a powerful show of unity, deterrence, and teamwork across NATO. The stronger our partners are, the stronger our Alliance is,” states the U.S. Embassy’s X page. Based on the footage, Hungarian JAS-39 Gripen aircraft were among those escorting the U.S. bombers. This connection is more than symbolic: since August 1, 2025, Hungary has taken the lead in NATO’s Baltic Air Policing (BAP) mission.
@usairforce B-1B Lancers
flew over #Latvia‘s Freedom Monument today, joined by Allied fighter jets in a powerful show of unity, deterrence, and teamwork across #NATO. The stronger our partners are, the stronger our Alliance is. #StrongerTogether #WeAreNATO #USLatvia… pic.twitter.com/9RjjCWvB61
— U.S. Embassy Riga (@USEmbassyRiga) August 19, 2025
Under the NATO framework, the Hungarian Defense Forces are currently deployed to Šiauliai Air Base in Lithuania with four Gripen fighter jets and approximately 80 personnel.
As the lead nation for the mission’s 69th rotation, Hungary is cooperating with Spain and Italy in protecting the airspace of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—countries that have relied on allied air policing since their accession to NATO in 2004.
This is the fourth time Hungary has taken part in Baltic Air Policing. Previous Hungarian-led rotations occurred:
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September 2015 – January 2016 (with Germany)
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May – August 2019 (with Spain and the UK)
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August – December 2022 (alongside Czech, Polish, German, Belgian, and Italian air forces).
ASV Gaisa spēku bumbvedēji “B-1B Lancer” kopā ar sabiedroto iznīcinātājiem pārlidoja Brīvības piemineklim, apliecinot #NATO spēku, apņēmību un komandas garu. Cik stipri ir mūsu sabiedrotie, tik stipra ir mūsu Alianse. #StrongerTogether #KopāStiprāki #WeAreNATO #USLatvia pic.twitter.com/wxZr3KddTi
— U.S. Embassy Riga (@USEmbassyRiga) August 20, 2025
Featured image: Honvedelem.hu
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