US Deploys F-22 Raptors Within ‘Striking Distance’ From Russia; 1st Forward Deployment Since Ukraine

The latest development marks the F-22’s first deployment to Europe since the start of the Russian invasion. This fifth-generation fighter jet supports NATO’s ‘air shielding’ mission.

According to reports, six Raptors, out of a total of 12, have already arrived at the Ask air force base in central Poland. The mission will be focused on protecting the airspace along NATO’s Eastern borders and thwarting any potential Russian aggression.

A few days ago, the F-22s landed at RAF Lakenheath in the UK while en route to Poland, as reported by EurAsian Times.

The 158th Fighter Wing of the Vermont Air National Guard, which has been employing its F-35 Lightning II fleet to carry out NATO’s air policing mission, will be replaced by the F-22s of the 90th Fighter Squadron, based in Alaska.

The three-month rotational F-35 Lightning II deployment began on May 2 and ended on August 3 at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany, after which the aircraft was flown back to Vermont.

In terms of its integration with NATO’s air shielding mission, the Air Force anticipates a smooth transition from the F-35 force of the 158th Fighter Wing to the F-22s of the 90th Fighter Squadron.

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F-22 fighter jet – Twitter
“The NATO Air Shielding mission integrates Allied Air and Surface Based Air and Missile Defense units into the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defense system under NATO Command and Control,” the USAF said in a press release.

“It will provide a near seamless shield from the Baltic to Black Seas, ensuring NATO Allies are better able to safeguard and protect Alliance territory, populations and forces from air and missile threat,” the USAF added