US deploys F-22 fighters near Russia

The US announced the deployment of F-22 stealth fighters to Estonia to protect NATO's eastern flank and "deter aggressive actions in the region".

"F-22 fighters supporting the NATO Air Shield mission conducted an Active Combat Dynamics (ACE) deployment to Amari Air Base, northern Estonia, on May 8 to deter aggression in the Baltic Sea region," the US Air Force Air Combat Command said in a statement.

US officials did not disclose the number of F-22s deployed to Estonia or the length of their stay at Amara. The US Air Force deployed 12 F-22 stealth fighters to Powidz in Poland in early April to support NATO's 2,400-kilometer eastern flank.

US F-22 fighter jets fly over Poland in August 2022. Photo: USAF

"These rapid deployments alongside NATO allies in the Baltic region demonstrate the alliance's readiness across the European theater and its ability to respond to defend NATO territory," the US Air Force said.

US officials say the three Baltic states, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, are located at vital land, air and sea gateways, requiring a "coordinated approach among allies" to maintain freedom of movement in the region.

The Estonian Defense Ministry and Russian officials have not commented on the information.

Tensions in the Baltic region have escalated since the middle of last year due to Russia's campaign in Ukraine, as well as Sweden and Finland's bids to join NATO. The alliance has already accepted Finland, and if Sweden also gets the green light, Russia will become the only Baltic country not a member of the alliance.

Baltic Sea countries. Graphics: SWP

Russian aircraft often fly close to the airspace of the three Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania on their way to and from the Kaliningrad exclave.

Russia and NATO have also repeatedly deployed bombers or reconnaissance aircraft close to each other's airspace. The two sides' aircraft often encounter each other during these missions, but they usually approach and monitor each other professionally and safely.

Vu Anh (According to Reuters )

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