US sends F-22 Raptor fifth-generation fighter jets to Poland
A few days ago, American F-22 Raptor fifth-generation fighter jets arrived in Poland. On 6 April, they began carrying out deterrence operations.
Here's What We Know
F-22 Raptor fighter squadron 94th Fighter Squadron, which is based at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia, departed for Powidz Base in Poland. This was a planned rotation to maintain the presence of forward US aircraft along NATO's eastern flank.
Since last November, F-15E Strike Eagle fighters have been carrying out the US European Command's plan to bolster the collective defence system. Now F-22 Raptor jets have taken over that role.
The Polish Powidz airbase offers the U.S. armed forces infrastructure along with the ability to operate closer to allies and partners. From here F-22 Raptor fifth generation fighters can support NATO missions in the Baltic and Black Sea regions.
It is worth recalling that at the end of summer 2022, the USA already sent Raptor fighters to Poland. In August, 12 F-22 fighters landed in the Polish city of Lask as part of a programme to strengthen NATO's eastern flank amid Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
