Royal Air Force personnel deployed to Romania on Operation BILOXI are contributing to NATO’s 24-hour enhanced Air Policing, working alongside Romanian Air Force colleagues to safeguard the Alliance’s eastern flank.
Since arriving in theatre, RAF Typhoon aircraft and supporting personnel have integrated with Romanian partners, establishing a fully interoperable force. Both nations operate as one team, combining experience, capability and shared procedures to ensure a responsive and effective air defence posture.
At the core of this mission is a constant state of readiness. RAF and Romanian aircraft maintain a 24-hour Quick Reaction Alert (QRA), prepared to respond at any time in accordance with NATO command and control arrangements. This enduring posture is sustained by personnel who work around the clock to ensure aircraft are available and ready whenever required.
Responses are carefully determined based on the specific circumstances of each situation, enabling the Alliance to deliver a proportionate and effective defence of its airspace.
Part of this approach is the rotation of assets on standby for QRA. At different stages of the deployment, either RAF or Romanian aircraft will be on a shorter readiness State and poised to respond to threats. While not held on State, The RAF deployment can focus on other NATO activities and integration. This model guarantees that NATO maintains an uninterrupted defensive presence, while reinforcing trust, interoperability and shared responsibility between Allies.
“It’s important that we operate as one team under NATO. Whether it’s RAF or Romanian aircraft on alert, we’re working to the same procedures, the same command structure, and ready to respond together as the situation requires.”Wing Commander Daryl
Detachment Commander
As the deployment continues until August, RAF personnel remain focused on their mission, maintaining readiness and reinforcing the Alliance’s defensive posture. Together with their Romanian allies, they stand prepared to respond whenever required, delivering defence of NATO airspace.
Always ready to Fly and Fight.
