In response to the situation, the Combined Air Operations Centre in Uedem (CAOC Uedem), responsible for directing NATO air surveillance and defense operations in this part of Europe, ordered an Alpha Scramble mission, the term used to designate the actual activation of Quick Reaction Alert assets.
The two Spanish EF-18Ms took off from Ämari, located the aircraft, carried out a visual identification and escorted it during its transit. The Russian aircraft remained over international waters at all times, and there was no violation of Estonian airspace or that of any other allied country. Once the intervention was complete, the Spanish fighters returned to Ämari Air Base.
The mission involved the coordinated mobilization of pilots, operations personnel, maintenance and weapons crews, communications teams, force protection personnel and other support elements. Their joint work keeps the aircraft ready and ensures an immediate response to any situation requiring the intervention of alert assets.
ÁMBAR TACTICAL AIR DETACHMENT: BALTIC AIR DEFENSE
The Ámbar Tactical Air Detachment, commanded by Major Antonio Mancebo Marín, comprises around 110 military personnel from different units of the Spanish Air and Space Force, with a main contribution from Ala 15 and the Air Deployment Support Squadron (EADA), both based in Zaragoza. It has four EF-18M aircraft and will remain in Estonia until early October 2026.
From Ämari, the detachment contributes to Baltic air defense by providing alert services and conducting training missions with other allied countries.
