Airmen and jets from RAF Lakenheath have been deployed to Lithuania to help safeguard NATO member airspace.

Around 140 airmen and seven F-15C Eagles from the 48th Fighter Wing have left the Suffolk base for Siauliai Air Base to assume control of the NATO Baltic Air Policing (BAP) peacetime defence mission.

The US Air Force will officially assume command of the current BAP mission from the Polish military on Wednesday.

During the deployment the airmen will help strengthen the bond between Baltic allies through shared capabilities and coordinated efforts.

A spokesman for the base said: 'US participation in this mission underscores its unwavering pledge to NATO to ensure a safe and stable future for the Baltics while preserving the integrity of NATO's borders.'

He added it showed US commitment to NATO allies.

The action comes at the request of Baltic allies.