Nato allies in training missions
ORLAND AIR BASE, Norway: Two United States F22 stealth fighter jets squared off in simulated dogfights with two of Norway’s expanding fleet of F35 aircraft yesterday as part of an exercise aimed at strengthening the Nato alliance and increasing its deterrent power.
The two US. F22s are among 13 in Europe for a series of shortterm deployments in places such as Greece and Poland, with further training missions planned in undisclosed locations in coming days.
The Norwegian deployment lasted just one day but will lay the groundwork for Nato allies as they work to integrate their stealth warfare capabilities, Colonel Leslie Hauck, chief of the fifth generation integration division at the US Air Force’s headquarters in Europe, told reporters in Norway.
The deployment is part of US efforts to reassure European allies after Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea.
Growing numbers of Lockheed Martin Corp F35s are arriving in Europe as the world’s most advanced warplane and most expensive weapons programme matures following a raft of cost increases and technical challen ges in its early years.
Hauck leads a new office at Ramstein Air Base in southwestern Germany, that is working to ensure a smooth transition for some 40 F35s due to be on site in Europe by year end. — Reuters