U.S. F-35s Forward Deploy for Baltic Sea Patrols

Friday, July 08, 2022 at 05:50 PM ET

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U.S. Air Force F-35s have joined Allies France and Belgium in Estonia enhancing the security of NATO airspace and ensuring a robust and integrated shield for Allied territory. File image courtesy: Airman Edgar Grimaldo]

Key Takeaways:

U.S. Air Force F-35s have been forward deployed to Estonia to join French and Belgian fighters in conducting air patrols over the Baltic Sea Region as part of NATO's Air Shielding mission.
This deployment is a direct response to Russia's war on Ukraine, aligning with President Biden's announcement to increase U.S. troop presence and bolster NATO's eastern flank.
Over 130 Allied aircraft are on high alert across NATO airspace, emphasizing the Alliance's commitment to maintaining European airspace integrity and adapting to emerging threats.

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U.S. Air Force F-35s have been forward deployed to join fighters from France and Belgium to conduct air patrols over the Baltic Sea Region, NATO announced Friday.

Deployment of the fighters taking part in NATO’s Air Shielding mission along the Alliance’s eastern flank comes days after President Joe Biden announced the U.S. intended to ramp up troop presence in Europe amid Russia’s ongoing war on Ukraine.