The U.S. Air Force (USAF) has forward deployed its F-22 Raptor stealth fighter jets to Campia Turzii Air Base, Romania from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany to conduct local training missions.

The deployment also included KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling aircraft, and C-130J Super Hercules tactical airlifter. The F-22s are deployed from the 95th Fighter Squadron, 325th Fighter Wing at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. The KC-135 is assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing at RAF Mildenhall, England, and is providing refueling support for the deployment to Romania.

This forward deployment, done with full cooperation of the NATO ally, Romania, demonstrates U.S. Air Forces in Europe’s commitment to field and operate fifth generation aircraft in the U.S. European Command area of responsibility. This deployment also underscores its commitment to the collective defense of the NATO alliance and the willingness to deploy and use its most technically advanced assets to deter any potential aggression and increase regional security.

The jets are part of a squadron of F-22 Raptors deployed to Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany on Aug. 8 to conduct air training with other Europe-based aircraft as part of a Flying Training Deployment (FTD). All the jets belong to the USAF 95th Fighter Squadron, 325th Fighter Wing based at Tyndall AFB, Fla.

The forward deployment of the jets from Germany to operating locations within other NATO member nations, such as Campia Turzii Air Base, was done to maximize training opportunities while strengthening the NATO alliance and deterring regional aggression.

This training deployment to Europe is funded in part by the European Deterrence Initiative (EDI), formerly called as European Reassurance Initiative. The program was initiated in June 2014, about three months after the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation, by the White House to increase the U.S. presence in Europe for security purposes.

The F-22 is the world’s premier operational 5th-generation fighter, possessing a unique combination of stealth, speed, agility, and situational awareness along with lethal long-range, air-to-air and air-to-ground weaponry, making the aircraft one of the best air dominance fighter in the world.





