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RAF Typhoons train alongside USAF F-22 Raptors

RAF Typhoon fighter jets from IX (B) Sqn have exercised with US Air Force F-22s in the skies over Estonia.

The Typhoons based out of Amari Airbase participated in the US Air Force’s Agile Combat Employment (ACE) exercise in the Baltics between 8-12 May by conducting Basic Fighter Manoeuvres (BFM) alongside the F-22. The UK fighter jets are currently deployed on Operation AZOTIZE as part of NATO’s Baltic Air Policing Mission.

The fifth generation F-22 Raptors executed the ACE deployment to Amari in support of NATO’s Air Shielding mission along Europe’s Eastern Flank. The Raptors are based out of Joint Base Langley- Eustis, Virginia as part of the 94th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron.

‘It was fantastic to welcome our USAF friends and allies to Amari Airbase with their highly capable F-22 Raptors. This deployment and combined training opportunity is another key milestone in our collective demonstration of will and determination to guarantee the safety of the Baltic region.’

Wg Cdr MacColl
CO 140 EAW

The USAF’s 94th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron has deployed 12 F-22 Raptors to Poland’s Powidz Airbase to bolster NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) and Counter-Integrated Air Defence System (C-IADS) capabilities along the Alliance’s 1,500-mile Eastern Flank. The deployment of the highly manoeuvrable, air superiority stealth fighter, and its seamless integration with the RAF’s 4th generation Typhoon fighter, demonstrates NATO’s willingness to rapidly project joint forces to counter any potential adversary in the Baltic region.

The Typhoons are part of the RAFs’ 140 Expeditionary Wing (EAW) and are currently deployed on Operation AZOTIZE where they are conducting NATO’s Baltic Air Policing Mission. The presence of UK aircraft and personnel is an essential assurance to allies and partners of the UK’s unwavering support to security in the region and across the Alliance.

Throughout Op AZOTIZE, RAF personnel will continue to participate in a multitude of air-to-air and air-to-ground exercises designed to test personnel and equipment in high-end warfighting scenarios. The deployment is providing the RAF with opportunities to work alongside NATO air and ground-based assets that would not be regularly based in the UK.

‘This will enhance our ability to operate from a greater number of locations, and provide increased flexibility and resilience, whilst simultaneously delivering on NATO’s Baltic Air Policing Mission. Having the USAF conduct their own high-tempo exercise to Amari this week has enabled our two Air Forces to learn from one another and integrate our capabilities further.’

Wg Cdr MacColl
CO 140 EAW

The RAF is fulfilling NATO’s Air Policing Mission in Estonia until August when 140 EAW will hand over duties to the Spanish Air Force.