BRUSSELS, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Portugal will take over the leadership of NATO's Baltic air policing mission from Denmark on May 2, NATO said in a press release Wednesday.

NATO Baltic air policing missions have been carried out since 2004, with NATO allies taking turns deploying their interceptors and staff in the Baltic states in a four-month rotation.

The Portuguese Air Force will deploy four F-16M fighter jets, as well as the 90-strong detachment of pilots, ground crews and support personnel to Siauliai, Lithuania, said the release.

France and Spain will also take part in the mission with French Air Force Mirage 2000-5 fighters and Spanish Eurofighter jets deployed at bases in Estonia and Lithuania. Enditem