Image source: topwar.ru
The United States has deployed fifth-generation F-35 fighters closer to the Russian border, and a group of American aircraft has arrived in Estonia. This was reported by the press service of the General Staff of the Estonian Defense Forces.
The United States decided to significantly strengthen the eastern flank of NATO, and at the same time participate in the mission to protect the Baltic airspace together with the French and Belgians. The F-35 fighters that arrived in Estonia were stationed at the Emari Air Base near Tallinn, where the Mirage-2000 fighters of the French Air Force and the F-16 of the Belgian Air Force are already participating in the mission. It is not reported how many American planes have been transferred to Estonia. The timing of the Americans' stay in the Baltic States is also unknown.
- the message of the Estonian Self-Defense Forces says.
It is worth noting that these fighters did not come from the United States, they were based in Germany at the Spangdalem Air Base, which is the main military base of the US Air Force in Europe along with Ramstein Air Base. Earlier, the Pentagon planned to make Spangdal a backup site for the rapid deployment of NATO aircraft in the event of a collision with Russia.
In the meantime, American fighters, along with the French and Belgians, will fly in the area of the Russian border, "protecting" Estonia from the "Russian threat". The decision to deploy NATO aircraft on the territory of the Baltic states was made in 2004, the main bases are Shauliai in Lithuania and Emari in Estonia. NATO aircraft are in the Baltic States on a rotational basis, the duty period is 4 months.
