U.S. Air Force F-22s arrive in Europe for Raptor Redeploy 19-1

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  • By U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa Public Affairs
F-22 Raptors, Airmen and associated equipment arrived at RAF Lakenheath, England, for a short-term deployment to the U.S. European Command area of operations.

The pilots and support personnel are from the 27th Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Wing, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va. The aircraft, assigned to the 94th Fighter Squadron – also part of the 1st Fighter Wing – are in Europe on their return to Langley from a deployment to the U.S. Central Command area of operations.

The purpose of this deployment, “Raptor Redeploy,” is to train and conduct engagements with NATO allies and partners and to show a 5th-generation fighter presence in Europe. While at RAF Lakenheath, the F-22 squadron will conduct Dissimilar Air Combat Training with aircraft from the 48th Fighter Wing, U.S. Navy and NATO allies.

As the world’s premiere operational 5th-generation fighter, the Raptor’s unique combination of stealth, speed, agility and situational awareness combined with lethal long-range air-to-air and air-to-ground weaponry make it the best air dominance fighter in the world.

American 5th-generation fighter presence in European demonstrates U.S. ability to deter current and potential threats, assure allies and demonstrate the ability to respond in a timely way should deterrence fail.

Raptor Redeploy is funded in part by the European Deterrence Initiative.

For more information, contact U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa Public Affairs at +49 06371-47-6558, usafepao.pao@us.af.mil, or usafepa.pastaffdutyofficer@us.af.mil.