The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced the deployment of F-22 Raptors to the Middle East due to a rise in unsafe and unprofessional behaviour by Russian aircraft in the region.
The decision aims to demonstrate the US military’s ability to swiftly reposition forces and deliver overwhelming power when necessary.
“Russian Forces’ unsafe and unprofessional behaviour is not what we expect from a professional air force. Their regular violation of agreed upon airspace deconfliction measures increases the risk of escalation or miscalculation,” CENTCOM commander Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla said in a news release.
“Alongside our partners and allies, we are committed to improving the security and stability in the region.”
The F-22 Raptors, hailing from Langley Air Force Base’s 94th Fighter Squadron in Virginia, have been integrated with other Coalition forces on the ground and in the air. The move comes in response to Russia’s repeated violations of agreed-upon airspace deconfliction measures, which pose an increased risk of escalation or miscalculation, according to CENTCOM Commander Gen. Erik Kurilla.
