NATO running out of combat aircraft?

NATO has asked Turkey to send F-16 fighter jets to patrol airspace over the Baltic countries several months earlier than scheduled, Bloomberg reported, citing sources.

"NATO has asked Turkey to contribute F-16 fighters to the alliance's Baltic Air Policing mission in 2026, several months earlier than its scheduled rotation," the report reads.

According to the sources, NATO plans to use these aircraft as part of the Baltic Air Policing mission and conduct rotation in Estonia in a period from August to December 2026.

The North Atlantic Alliance is enhancing its defenses due to Russia’s actions, the sources claim.

Initially, Turkey planned to deploy its fighter jets in Romania from December 2026 through March 2027. So far, according to the agency, Turkey has made no decision on NATO’s request.