Turkey has deployed an E-7T “Peace Eagle” Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft to Lithuania following a series of Russian drone and fighter jet incursions into NATO airspace. According to the Turkish Embassy in Vilnius, the aircraft operated from Šiauliai Air Base between September 22–25, 2025.
Equipped with 360-degree radar coverage and long-range detection capabilities, the E-7T provides continuous monitoring of Baltic skies and is particularly effective at detecting low-flying drones. Fully integrated into NATO’s command-and-control network, it enables real-time tracking, early warning, and coordinated defensive responses.
The deployment carries significant strategic value by bolstering NATO’s deterrence posture on the eastern flank and reaffirming Turkey’s role as a committed contributor to collective defense. Analysts note that such AWACS missions help preempt airspace violations and reduce the risk of escalation with Russia.
Based on the modern Boeing 737 platform, Turkey’s Peace Eagle features advanced radar and digital systems that allow it to detect both conventional aircraft and emerging unmanned threats. By deploying this capability to the Baltics, Ankara not only strengthens regional security but also demonstrates its ability to project surveillance power beyond its borders — reinforcing its influence within NATO’s integrated defense architecture and balancing its commitments between the Middle East and Europe.
