In a show of unity, the RAF and NATO allies have taken part in a flypast over Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, to mark the country’s Restoration of Independence Day, which celebrates independence from the Soviet Union in 1990.
Flying from Zokniai Air Force Base near Siauliai in Lithuania the Typhoons joined a pair of Polish F-16s which were observed by the President of Lithuania, Gitanas Nauseda, who was joined by a number of ex-Presidents and Government heads. During the Ceremony flags of the three Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania were raised over Independence Square near the Lithuanian Parliament.
A day earlier, Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Lithuania, Brian Olly, welcomed the pilots to Lithuania as they arrived at Siauliai Air Force Base.
"I was delighted to meet the pilots of the Royal Airforce Eurofighter Typhoons in Siauliai airbase yesterday. Celebrating the Restoration of Independence Day over the capital city Vilnius is a tangible demonstration of UK's unwavering commitment to NATO defence of the Baltic region."
Brian Olly
Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Lithuania
During the day RAF Typhoons flying from RAF Coningsby and RAF Akrotiri also conducted patrols in the region as part of pre-planned enhanced Vigilance Activity, a NATO task initiated in response to events in Ukraine. This activity is intended to defend the region and is a robust response to Putin’s aggression, contributing to the security of Europe.
"It’s always a privilege to be part of a partner nation’s national celebrations. The flypast provided a unique opportunity to maintaining the close working relationship with Lithuania and NATO partners while demonstrating the UK’s continued commitment to its Allies and the unity within the Joint Expedition Force."
Officer Commanding A Flight IX(B) Squadron
