To show Russia and its allies American might, the Air Force will deploy the F-22 Raptor multi-purpose stealth fighter to Europe. Raptors have been sent on rotation to the Pacific, but this is the first time one will be sent to the European theater.
The Air Force first announced its intentions to send an F-22 as a show of force against Russian aggression in June when Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James named Russia as the United States’ “biggest threat.” On Monday, James confirmed that the F-22 was on its way.
“Rotational forces and training exercises help us maintain our strong and balanced approach, and we will certainly be continuing those in the future… For the Air Force, an F-22 deployment is certainly on the strong side of the coin,” James said.
F-22 Raptors have proved invaluable during the fight against ISIS by both conducting air strikes, gathering surveillance and protecting other aircraft. Its unknown where exactly the F-22 is headed in Europe, but its presence is sure to send Russia a strong message.