Royal Air Force personnel from 121 Expeditionary Air Wing formally handed over responsibility for NATO’s enhanced Air Policing mission in Romania to the Spanish Air and Space Force during a ceremony at 86th Air Base Borcea on 31 July 2026. The handover marked the successful conclusion of the United Kingdom’s contribution to Operation Biloxi 2026.
Over the past four months, RAF Typhoon FGR4 aircraft from 3 (Fighter) Squadron have conducted NATO Air Policing duties in support of the Alliance’s Eastern Sentry vigilance activity, maintaining the integrity of NATO airspace and contributing to regional security on the Alliance’s eastern flank.
The handover to the incoming Spanish detachment demonstrates NATO’s enduring commitment to collective defence. Throughout the deployment, RAF personnel worked closely with Romanian and NATO partners, conducting Quick Reaction Alert duties and training exercises designed to strengthen the Alliance’s deterrence and defence posture.
During the Operation, the deployment launched 49 Quick Reaction Alert scrambles, comprising seven live ‘Alpha’ scrambles against unidentified aircraft and 42 training ‘Tango’ scrambles, while maintaining over 1,500 hours at very high readiness.
The detachment also played a key role in multinational training and integration activities, working alongside personnel from eight NATO nations. RAF Typhoons participated in major exercises including Exercise Beastling Monolith, delivering Air Interdiction and Close Air Support training with NATO Joint Terminal Attack Controllers. Additional opportunities to strengthen interoperability were provided through Exercise Neptune Strike and a series of combined missions with Allied air forces.
The ceremony, hosted by the Romanian Air Force, recognised the contribution of the outgoing RAF detachment and welcomed the incoming Spanish contingent as they assume responsibility for the mission.
"This deployment is a testament to the dedication, professionalism and resilience of every member of the detachment. Our personnel have delivered outstanding results whilst representing the Royal Air Force and NATO with distinction. Typhoon may be the visible symbol of our operation, but it is the people behind the aircraft who make delivering NATO Air Policing possible.”
Wing Commander Wicks-Randy
Commanding Officer 121 Expeditionary Air Wing
The RAF has been a regular contributor to NATO Air Policing missions in Romania since 2014, reflecting its unwavering commitment to NATO and the collective defence of Allied nations. The handover to the Spanish Air and Space Force ensures the continued presence of Allied air power in the region and the ongoing protection of NATO airspace.
