Germany dispatches Eurofighters to Romania for an extended eight-month stint as part of a NATO air surveillance operation
German Air Force Reinforces NATO's Eastern Defence in Romania
The German Air Force has taken up a significant role in NATO's Enhanced Air Policing South (eAPS) mission in Romania, marking its fourth deployment since the mission's inception in 2014. The eight-month deployment, which began on August 12, 2025, involves five Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft and approximately 170 personnel based at Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base near Constanța.
The German detachment has assumed its role in the mission with pride, as Major General Michael Hogrebe, the head of the German contingent, highlighted the commitment of the German Air Force and other Bundeswehr units to the eAPS mission. Major General Hogrebe emphasised the importance of action over words in defence efforts, stating that the deployment is a tangible demonstration of Germany's commitment to NATO and collective defence.
Markus Teglas, Germany's Chargé d'Affaires in Romania, welcomed the deployment, saying that the renewed participation of the Eurofighter jets in the southern eAPS mission sends a strong signal about Germany's security policy commitments. Teglas expressed gratitude to the Romanian partners for their hospitality and excellent cooperation.
The German detachment will be responsible for airspace surveillance, quick reaction alerts, and joint training activities with NATO air and ground forces to maintain interoperability and readiness. Operationally, the German Eurofighters have been active in airspace monitoring along the border with Ukraine. On the night of August 19-20, 2025, two Typhoons scrambled to respond to and monitor drone attacks launched by Russian forces against Ukrainian ports on the Danube, confirming no airspace violations in Romanian territory.
The ongoing deployment reinforces NATO’s collective defence posture on the eastern and southeastern flanks amid regional security challenges. Major General Hogrebe thanked the Romanian Air Force for their professional reception and consistent hospitality toward the German detachment. The event was attended by representatives from the Romanian Air Force, NATO's Allied Air Command (AIRCOM), and the German Embassy in Bucharest.
The German Air Force's participation in the eAPS mission is a visible demonstration of the determination to defend every inch of NATO territory. This deployment marks a significant contribution to NATO's efforts to secure its southeastern airspace and maintain regional stability.
Technology plays a crucial role in the German Air Force's operations during the eAPS mission, as the Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft are equipped with advanced sensors and communication systems, enabling effective airspace surveillance and rapid response to potential threats.
The deployment of German forces in Romania is not just a show of military might, but also a testament to the integration of technology into defense strategies, aimed at enhancing collective security and maintaining regional stability.
