The U.S. Air Force has deployed an Alaska-based squadron of the most lethal fighter jets in the world to Poland, in an obvious signal to Russia following threats of tougher actions if the western world continues arming Ukraine.
F-22 Raptors from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson’s 90th Fighter Squadron, 3rd Wing, have been sent to the 32nd Tactical Air Base in Łask, Poland to support NATO Air Shielding missions across Eastern Europe, according to a press release issued on July 27.
“The NATO Air Shielding mission integrates Allied Air and Surface Based Air and Missile Defence units into the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence system under NATO Command and Control,” says the USAF. “It will provide a near seamless shield, ensuring NATO Allies are better able to safeguard and protect Alliance territory, populations and forces from air and missile threat.“
The Raptors will now operate as the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, joining other U.S. military aircraft and allied nations in patrolling the region’s skies 24/7 to deter and protect NATO against any Russian aggression.
F-22s not only employ stealth design and technology, but can also execute both air-to-air and air-to-ground attacks. Simply put, they can wipe an adversary out of existence without even being noticed, and their vector-thrust engines means they can maneuver and fly in ways that most other aircraft cannot (especially with the best trained pilots in the world at the controls).
“The Raptor is a critical component of the global strike Task Force, and designed to project air dominance, rapidly and at great distances to defeat threats,” says the USAF. “It cannot be matched by any known or projected fighter aircraft.This is a clear expression of NATO’s commitment to readiness which promotes regional security and stability.”
