The Pentagon is considering deploying the stealth air superiority aircraft, the F-22A Raptor, in Europe – as a response to recent Russian aggression in the region. According to the Secretary of the Air Force, Deborah James, the US Air Force is increasing its presence in Europe in order to counter Russian military strength.
Part of this new US policy includes the possible deployment in rotation of the F-22A Raptor in Europe. The Secretary of the Air Force made this statement during the Paris air show, adding that she could not specify a date by which the aircraft would be sent.
The F-22A Raptor fighter jets are stationed at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia; Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida; Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii; and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. They are usually temporarily deployed in other geographical regions depending on the geopolitical interests of the US government.
The deployment of the F-22A Raptor aircraft in other regions off the North American continent is regarded by defence analysts as a show of force by the US government, since this fighter jet is considered to be the best combat-ready fifth generation aircraft in the world, with unprecedented capabilities.
There are 184 F-22A Raptors in the inventory of the USAF and several of them have been deployed so far in Japan, the UAE and Malaysia, in order to participate in exercises with US allies.
Last September the fifth generation fighter jet participated for the first time in ground attack operations in Syria against the ISIS, but the American aircraft has never been deployed to Europe before.
The deployment of the F-22A Raptors in Europe is a clear message to Moscow that the USA is ready and willing to react to any possible Russian threat against the allies of Washington.
The US Air Force has already increased air patrols in the Baltic and has sent B-2 stealth bombers and B-52 bombers to bases in the UK as part of multinational exercises.
As Deborah James said,
“The biggest threat on my mind is what is happening in Russia,” and she continued, “Russia is on our minds. It’s on the minds of our allies as well.”