U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagles depart RAF Lakenheath to support the combat air patrol mission in Turkey, Nov. 6, 2015. The six F-15Cs from the 48th Fighter Wing deployed to Incirlik in response to the Government of Turkey's request for support in securing the sovereignty of Turkish airspace. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Erin Babbis/Released)

6 November 2015 U.S. European Command (EUCOM)

STUTTGART, Germany – In a demonstration of our unwavering support for Turkish sovereignty and the collective security of the region, U.S. European Command has directed the U.S. Air Force to deploy six F-15s to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey.

The F-15Cs from the 48th Fighter Wing based at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, arrived at approximately 3:30 p.m. Eastern European Time (EET).These aircraft will conduct combat air patrols in Turkish air space.

This deployment of additional aircraft to Incirlik is in response to the Government of Turkey's request for support in securing the sovereignty of Turkish airspace. Turkey and the U.S. are long-time NATO Allies and the U.S. Air Force has a long history of working closely with Turkey. We are guests of the Government of Turkey at Incirlik Air Base, and there are no plans for a more permanent U.S. presence at this location.

We will continue to work closely with our Turkish partners on supporting the sovereignty of Turkish airspace and our shared efforts to degrade and destroy ISIL. The U.S. and Turkey, as NATO allies, share a commitment to peace and stability in the region.

ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 12, 2015 – Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin introduced Legion Pod – a multi-function sensor system that supports collaborative targeting operations between multiple aircraft in radar-denied environments.

Combining Lockheed Martin’s IRST21™ infrared sensor with advanced networking and data processing technology, Legion Pod provides high-fidelity detection and tracking of airborne targets. Designed for flexibility, Legion Pod also accommodates additional sensors within its current structure to address diverse mission requirements across a variety of platforms.

“Legion Pod fills a critical need for today’s warfighters, providing unique detection and tracking data for joint targeting operations,” said Ken Fuhr, director of fixed wing programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “As a flexible, production-ready system, Legion Pod can be quickly procured and integrated to meet current and emerging customer requirements.”

Legion Pod is available to support the current F-15C infrared search and track program of record, which requires long-range detection and tracking in a wide field of view. Due to its flexible design, Legion Pod also supports the emerging Multi-Domain Adaptable Processing System and offers advanced capability for a variety of platforms, including non-fighter aircraft.

Lockheed Martin developed Legion Pod through internal investment, and pod components have completed limited qualification. Initial flight tests will occur this year, with additional flight tests planned for 2016.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 112,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s net sales for 2014 were $45.6 billion.

TALLINN, 6 mars - RIA Novosti

Six chasseurs F-15C et deux avions ravitailleurs KC-135 de l'US Air force ont atterri jeudi sur la base de Zokniai (nord de la Lituanie) pour renforcer la protection de l'espace aérien des pays baltes, a annoncé jeudi l'état-major des forces d'autodéfense estoniennes.

Le secrétaire américain à la Défense Chuck Hagel a déclaré mercredi au Congrès que le Pentagone élargirait sa coopération militaire avec la Pologne et les pays baltes (Estonie, Lettonie et Lituanie). Selon M. Hagel, cette décision a été adoptée en réponse à la crise politique en Ukraine.

Le ministre estonien de la Défense Urmas Reinsalu a pour sa part salué le renforcement de la présence militaire américaine dans cette région.

"Après avoir analysé avec les Etats-Unis l'évolution de la situation sécuritaire en Europe, je leur ai demandé de renforcer la protection de notre espace aérien, et je suis ravi de constater que le principal allié de l'Estonie a rapidement répondu à cette demande", a indiqué M. Reinsalu.

Les pays baltes ne possèdent pas d'avions capables d'effectuer des missions de patrouille aérienne. Depuis leur adhésion à l'Otan en avril 2004, leur espace aérien est protégé par d'autres pays de l'Alliance qui exercent leurs responsabilités à tour de rôle. De janvier à fin avril 2014, c'est au tour d'avions américains de patrouiller dans le ciel balte. Cette mission était assurée jusqu'à présent par quatre F-15C.

An F-15C Eagle from the 493rd Fighter Squadron takes off from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, March 6, 2014. The 48th Fighter Wing sent an additional six aircraft and more than 50 personnel to support NATO's air policing mission in Lithuania, at the request of U.S. allies in the Baltics. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Emerson Nunez/Released)

March 7, 2014 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- The 48th Fighter Wing has sent additional aircraft and personnel to support NATO's air policing mission in Lithuania, at the request of U.S. allies in the Baltics.

Six F-15C Eagles departed RAF Lakenheath and two KC-135 Stratotankers carrying more than 60 Airmen departed RAF Mildenhall March 6.

Nearly 150 Airmen and four F-15C Eagles from the 48th FW have been supporting the Baltic Air Policing mission out of Šiauliai Air Base, Lithuania, since January as the 48th Air Expeditionary Group.

"This is the advantage of being forward-based," said Col. Mark Ciero, 48th Fighter Wing vice commander. "If called upon, we can quickly respond to support our allies and partners."

Air policing is part of NATO's "Smart Defense" model that incorporates allied nations conducting operations through shared capabilities and coordinated efforts to effectively accomplish missions. NATO countries rotate to provide Airmen and aircraft for the BAP mission, which is slated to continue through 2018.

In the last decade, 14 NATO nations have participated in this mission. This deployment marks the fourth rotation for U.S. forces.