F-22s arrive in Estonia

  • Published
  • U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Public Affairs
ÄMARI AIR BASE, Estonia (AFNS) --  Two F-22 Raptors and a KC-135 Stratotanker arrived at Ämari Air Base, Estonia, Sept. 5.

The F-22s and approximately 20 supporting Airmen are from the 95th Fighter Squadron at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. The KC-135 is from the 100th Air Refueling Wing at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England.

This forward deployment of the Raptors is part of the inaugural F-22 training deployment to Europe and is funded by the European Reassurance Initiative, which provides support to bolster the security of NATO allies and partners in Europe while demonstrating the U.S. commitment to regional and global security. The F-22s will remain at Ämari AB for a brief period of time before returning to Spangdahlem AB, Germany, to continue their training deployment.

The F-22 deployments to Spangdahlem AB, Łask AB, Poland, and now Ämari AB prove that European bases and other NATO installations can host fifth-generation fighters while also affording the chance for familiarization flight training within the European theater.

This F-22 forward deployment is conducted in coordination with our Estonian allies and is a demonstration of the continued commitment to the collective security of NATO and dedication to the enduring peace and stability of the region.