This is the first time the type is used for the allied Baltic air policing mission. So far, NATO’s air forces have used F-16s and Eurofighters, according to ERR’s radio news. The F/A-18 Hornet was originally built for the U.S. Navy as a multi-purpose carrier-based aircraft.

In addition to the USA, the type is also used by the air forces of Finland, Spain, Switzerland, Canada, and others. It can fly a variety of different missions.

NATO’s air forces have contributed to the Baltic air policing mission since Mar. 29, 2004 on a rotation basis. The mission was extended indefinitely at the 2012 NATO summit in Chicago.

Second type new to the region in a week

The F-18 is the second type new to the region to arrive within just over a week. Two F-35 fighters of the U.S. military arrived in Ämari just a week ago. According to the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. is planning on permanently stationing F-35A fighter jets in Europe beginning in 2020.

Last July, Gen. Herbert Carlisle told the Armed Forces Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives that they would like to see F-35 aircraft as part of the Baltic Air Policing mission for at least some period of time.

As Carlisle told the online edition of the National Interest, the F-35 conducting flights in the Baltics is intended to send a signal to potential opponents, including Russia.