Four US F-22 Fighter Jets Arrive In Germany For NATO Training Mission

Four US F-22 tactical fighter jets have arrived at the Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany to begin NATO training exercises.

The United States sent four F-22 Raptors, one C-17 Globemaster III military transport aircraft, and approximately 60 airmen to conduct air training through mid-September.

"This inaugural Raptor training deployment is the perfect opportunity for these advanced aircraft to train alongside other US Air Force aircraft, joint partners, and NATO allies," Allied Air Command Commander General Frank Gorenc said.

The training mission is being funded by the European Reassurance Initiative. The mission is intended to provide security reassurances to NATO allies and partners in Europe, the US Air Force announced Friday.

In June, Secretary of the Air Force Deborah James announced that she was considering sending F-22’s to Europe in face of what she characterized as a Russian threat.

The F-22 Raptor is the only fifth generation fighter jet that is fully operational, according to the aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin. The jet includes advanced stealth technology and highly-integrated computer systems.