U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor fighter jets arrived at RAF Lakenheath in the UK this week en route to support NATO’s Air Shielding mission in Poland.

The U.S. Air Force say that the F-22 Raptor performs both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, and “its fifth generation capability contributes to the Air Shielding mission enhancing interoperability and cohesion among Allied nations”.

“Integration with NATO Allies and Partners further demonstrates the Alliance’s dedication to deter and defend in an increasingly complex and changing security environment.”

According to a news release from the NATO Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office:

“The US deployment of their fifth generation fighter aircraft boosts NATO’s posture for assurance, deterrence and defence in Europe. Together with other Allies’ contributions this deployment is a clear expression of NATO’s commitment to readiness which promotes regional security and stability.

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, there has been an increased use of missiles, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and combat aircraft close to the borders of NATO nations. This increases the air and missile threat to NATO territory and populations, primarily due to potential miscalculation or loss of guidance or control.

The NATO Air Shielding mission integrates Allied Air and Surface Based Air and Missile Defence units into the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence system under NATO Command and Control. It will provide a near seamless shield from the Baltic to Black Seas, ensuring NATO Allies are better able to safeguard and protect Alliance territory, populations and forces from air and missile threat.”

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George has a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and has a keen interest in naval and cyber security matters and has appeared on national radio and television to discuss current events. George is on Twitter at @geoallison
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Steve
Steve
1 year ago

Its kinda amusing that the f22 was designed and built with one job at hand, taking on the Russia /soviet airforce. But as the events of the last few months have demonstrated, the f16/15 could have easily done that job and the US would have saved a bucket load of cash.

Steve
Steve
1 year ago
Reply to  Steve

Yep

Would love to know how the western intel community got it so wrong.

Mark
Mark
1 year ago
Reply to  Steve

They were probably on the payroll of the western defence manufacturing companies. The Russians capabilities are better than ours you need to spend more on defence.

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
1 year ago
Reply to  Mark

It’s been that way for years! The Pentagon and defence companies used to hype the soviet threat to get more money.
I doubt much has changed.

maurice10
maurice10
1 year ago

Must not allow that method of business to stop building up against China, she could prove to be every bit as menacing as seen in Korea in the 1950’s?

David
David
1 year ago

I knew a “foreign correspondent” type who spent a lot of time in the USSR. Always scathing about the military there………

Spyinthesky
Spyinthesky
1 year ago
Reply to  Mark

Yes well known in the US over the years that happened military, politicians with military assets/manufactures in their backyard and the manufacturers themselves had a sort of Holy Alliance. That said one of the important assets like Raptor exists for is to ensure the likes of Putin and his attack dogs don’t convince themselves that they can win. Without these top notch weapons they might well have thought, considering western disarmament post Soviet collapse esp in Europe and their weight of numbers in weaponry even if much is archaic, that they could have won esp in the Baltics but of… Read more »

Steve R
Steve R
1 year ago
Reply to  Steve

To be fair part of the reason we’re so far ahead is because you don’t underestimate your enemy and assume they’re as good or better than you.

FormerUSAF
FormerUSAF
1 year ago
Reply to  Steve R

Exactly, please remember folks that Mad Vlad’s slobbering Orcs are not the only potential opponents on the horizon. The ChiComs are standing just off stage, conducting a huge military and industrial espionage program. Only the strictest counter espionage programs will protect Tempest and NGAD. Hope MI-5 and FBI are up to the challenge.

Anthony
Anthony
1 year ago
Reply to  FormerUSAF

Surely you mean MI6 & CIA

Bob
Bob
1 year ago
Reply to  Steve

Did they? Is not the aim in war to win while taking the fewest casualties possible?

Tommo
Tommo
1 year ago
Reply to  Steve

Probably asked a Moscow taxi driver as they did in 2003 Bagdad

Ian
Ian
1 year ago
Reply to  Steve

I think the Russians may nowadays be hamstrung by no longer having the Soviet era industrial capacity to absorb losses of fast jets- which would make them unwilling to put those fairly precious assets in harm’s way.

Steve
Steve
1 year ago
Reply to  Ian

I have read that arguement a lot, I don’t buy it. In the openning weeks of the war it would make sense, but now that the war is going so badly wrong, and Russia badly needs to get some wins out of it, why would they hold back a capability that could have a significant difference. If they could elimate the Ukraine airforce and then undertake strike missions on Ukraine artillery / supplies, surely they would. I just think the have realised the kit isn’t good enough to be used in the war, and so rather than have it all… Read more »

Steve R
Steve R
1 year ago
Reply to  Steve

I think it’s a mix of the kit isn’t good enough and neither are their pilots.

Pilots haven’t received enough training to be effective – probably just enough that they can fly without crashing – and planes receiving the barest minimum in maintenance.

They have several hundred SU-27/30/35/35/37 but how many are actually combat-capable?

Also, Russia failed to conduct any kind of SEAD, so their planes are very vulnerable to SAMs at high altitude, and vulnerable to MANPADS at low altitude.

Spyinthesky
Spyinthesky
1 year ago
Reply to  Steve R

Yes the last humiliation would be to see their latest and hyped weaponry being taken out almost as easily as the rubbish stuff. And fact is whatever the hype they can barely field very many of those platforms anyway. The Armata struggled in Libya and is being worked on with few in the meantime available and from what I have read things are little better with their best jets. Unable to get the western tech they need in this hardware it will be difficult to produce what they need and let’s be honest the only ‘credibility’ left at home or… Read more »

Andy a
Andy a
1 year ago
Reply to  Steve R

The kits not all rubbish as Ukrainians at the start we’re mostly fighting with improved Soviet kit, total lack of NCO core, top down linear control and all the cash nicked along with half the kit sold off

geoff.Roach
geoff.Roach
1 year ago
Reply to  Ian

The ironic thing about this is that under the old Soviet Union a lot of their good engineering plant was in the Ukraine.

geoff
geoff
1 year ago
Reply to  geoff.Roach

.. not to mention Ukraine’s part in providing two of The USSR’s most prominent and iconic Presidents in Brezhnev and Khrushchev. I still cannot understand how the Russians could brutalise their own kith and kin in such a savage manner.

Geoff Roach
Geoff Roach
1 year ago
Reply to  geoff

I’ve always loved history and at times it’s been sad and wasteful to say the least but have we not learned anything. It would appear not. If you look round the world with it’s tin pot dictators, slavey, terrorism and abuse. I sometimes feel that I would like to rescue all the kids and bring them up safe. Daft, I know.

Spyinthesky
Spyinthesky
1 year ago
Reply to  geoff.Roach

Exactly

Tommo
Tommo
1 year ago
Reply to  geoff.Roach

In what is now wasteland thanks tòo Orc artillery even though Putin said his troops in the Donbas were there too protect the Civilian population and inferstructer from Ukrainian genocide very odd way of winning hearts and minds Geoff

Geoff Roach
Geoff Roach
1 year ago
Reply to  Tommo

I’m not sure the man has a heart Tommo and I really do think he’s out of his mind. The trouble, for those of us who are fairly normal, is that the likes of Stalin, Hitler, Mao and goodness knows how many others just don’t care what they do or how many get killed. They want their toy to play with and that’s that.

Tommo
Tommo
1 year ago
Reply to  Geoff Roach

Thanks Geoff for that ,it would seem that with on going setbacks in the Ukraine Putin has thrown all of his Toys out of the Pram hope someone with an ounce of sense throws him out of his Pram fingers 🤞 crossed

geoff
geoff
1 year ago
Reply to  Steve

Good Day Steve. Take your point about the F16/15 but still, it is essential that the West stays ahead of the curve in terms of superior weaponry as this gives reserves in terms of capability always leaving the other side to catch up. Also though it does reflect how effective are relatively simple AA systems and how far they have advanced since the likes of Blowpipe. The Falklands war certainly showed up the deficiencies in several Naval and land based weapons allowing improvements in these weapons.

Steve
Steve
1 year ago
Reply to  geoff

Its going to be interesting, once the dust settles, what lessons were learnt from the conflict and how the west changes its equipment to take them into account.

I can’t imagine once Putin goes, there will be a number of Russian generals doing the speaking tours giving info on what went wrong also

Tommo
Tommo
1 year ago
Reply to  Steve

Yes they cannot just change 105 yrs of lying through their teeth and expecting the world too believe them Lenins catchphrase was ” If at first you don’t succeed, lie ” and all others have carried that statement apart from Gorbachev, Putin does it and believes it as truth Jay

Frank62
Frank62
1 year ago
Reply to  Tommo

To be fair lying has become far too regular here in the west, Trump & Boris for example. Never trust or give liars responsibility. Why do we elect unreliable vacuous narssicists? If we refuse to hold our leaders to higher standards we may find our free west slide into not much better than our worse enemies.

Glad more F22s are in the ETO to bolster the deterrent against Russian aggression.

Angus Macdonald
Angus Macdonald
1 year ago
Reply to  Tommo

When did Lenin say that?

Tommo
Tommo
1 year ago

Haven’t the faintest but as a young lad I had a,,trendy lapel badge with that statement embossed over his portrait

Jonathan
Jonathan
1 year ago
Reply to  Steve

That is very true, it’s always been an aggressive expansionists Empire, ruled by Authoritarian leaders who treat the population like dirt and were determined to rule the near abroad.

Gavin Gordon
Gavin Gordon
1 year ago
Reply to  Steve

Good Morning, Steve. Have a feeling dust isn’t going to settle any time soon if Ukraine cannot get back Kherson north of Dnipro. ‘Easily’ occupied at start, of course, with a view to making entire Black Sea coast, due to combination of subterfuge and Ukrainian unpreparedness at all levels. But, as that area now stands, a classic example of limited access from the south with a river at your back. Though my opinion is really neither here nor there, if Ukraine and effectively NATO cannot recover Kerson for whatever reason then I’d regard that as a Western defeat, and fear… Read more »

James
James
1 year ago
Reply to  geoff

The falklands got won with no nuclear aircraft carriers, which had no CATOBAR (if they had a number of times due to weather aircraft couldnt have been launched or recovered) and that was with aircraft with a range that was indeed short range.

farouk
farouk
1 year ago
Reply to  geoff

Jay wrote:

The Falklands taught us we need nuclear powered aircraft carriers with catobar and aew – Like the US and France.

As somebody who has traversed the roaring forties 4 times, did 2 stints as a Combat Boat Operator in the falklands, I cannot help but wonder would the US and French Carriers have been able to operate in such conditions in 1982. To me, the small UK carriers fitted with the Harrier were the right tools for the job at hand.

farouk
farouk
1 year ago
Reply to  farouk

You appear not have taken into account the sea conditions off the falklands during the middle of their winter. Which is why I mentioned the roaring forties.

Last edited 1 year ago by farouk
Jonathan
Jonathan
1 year ago
Reply to  farouk

I believe cats and traps carrier operations in high see states is not possibe ?

DanielMorgan
DanielMorgan
1 year ago
Reply to  farouk

You may have been a great combat boat operator, but that hardly qualifies you as an expert on nuclear aircraft carriers. The notion that a Nimitz class carrier couldn’t operate in heavy seas around the Falklands is just bonkers.

James
James
1 year ago
Reply to  DanielMorgan

The ship could operate no problem, launching and recovering its aircraft in extremely rough seas of that area in winter is a different issue completely.

farouk
farouk
1 year ago
Reply to  DanielMorgan

Good point, to that end I’ll throw that out to the Matlows to see if aircraft carriers can operate aircraft in sea states like this
PS:
Forgot to mention the Carrier Harry Truman lost a F18 the other week (10/07/22) in a storm in the Med, after it was washed overboard.

Last edited 1 year ago by farouk
David Steeper
David Steeper
1 year ago
Reply to  DanielMorgan

There’s no pilot dead or alive who could land on a catobar carrier in a force 11 storm. Which is not uncommon in a south atlantic winter.

David C
David C
1 year ago
Reply to  David Steeper

You can’t land VTOL aircraft in that environment either? Am I missing something?

Spyinthesky
Spyinthesky
1 year ago
Reply to  geoff

You are not wrong but the Ukrainian aircraft are only a shadow of what ostensibly the same aircraft are in Russian service which are far more updated versions for the most part. It’s like comparing a mk5 Spit to a mk9 both Spitfires but the latter would murder the former in a fight esp when numerically superior too. It’s said that the US will supply f16s to Ukraine ready to go into action by early next year so maybe we will get to test the theory though they won’t of course be current spec either.

Jonathan
Jonathan
1 year ago
Reply to  geoff

I believe their training as not up to scratch as well. Hence the inability to support SEAD.

Frank62
Frank62
1 year ago
Reply to  geoff

Opened a can of worms there JR. Firstly, if we’d not scrapped the Ark Royal shortly before, the Argies probably wouldn’t have risked an invasion with the strike & intercept ranges of Phantoms & Buccaneers. Secondly, Sandy Woodwood said in his book that the first big winter storm hit just hours after the surrender & the onset of winter was a clear end to effective combat ops for the task force, so we won just in the nick of time. Most of the fleet was on its last legs in need of repairs from operating in difficult environment at high… Read more »

James
James
1 year ago
Reply to  Frank62

Did Ark Royal have any form or AEW aircraft onboard?

Sure I had read that crowsnest is slated to be phased out circa 2030 ish, or maybes that is the Merlin that carries it.

At least if an F35B is airborne then that should be able to supply decent AEW capabilities.

Agreed on Nuclear if its operating forever in the Pacific then fine, North Sea and the Med is no need at all, plus they cant even use the additional speed advantage as no conventionally fueled ships can keep up to get to a destination in a rush.

Frank62
Frank62
1 year ago
Reply to  James

That Ark Royal had Gannet AEW.

Meirion X
Meirion X
1 year ago
Reply to  geoff

NO, you wrong again!
The Falklands War, fort in rough seas, did Not prove that nuclear powered aircraft carriers were essential. They would had great difficulty operating aircraft in those waters. The main issue of the V/STOL carriers of the time, were of them being small and cramped.
Yes I agree that alternatives to helos for AEW are needed. Using other types V/STOL aircraft.

farouk
farouk
1 year ago
Reply to  Steve

Jay wrote:

Russia have not lost 1 fighter in air to air combat over ukraine. 

Pretty sure they lost a SU35 to a Mig 29

farouk
farouk
1 year ago
Reply to  farouk

JR wrote: I get my Information from the latest edition of AFM, who have done an extremely detailed analysis. Well worth a read. That statement of yours brought a smile to my face, seeing as (when I have the time and can be bothered) have often uploaded on a self delete timed basis sections from such mags onto here in which to share infromation with others. Only one person has complained and made an issue about me doing so, if you look in the mirror you will see that person. Oh and BTW got the above issue and the break… Read more »

Last edited 1 year ago by farouk
Spyinthesky
Spyinthesky
1 year ago
Reply to  farouk

Sorry I can’t let that go unanswered, you say you provide your information direct from that publication you also condemn another poster for uploading information direct from that publication, so let me get this right it’s not the efficacy of the information that you have a problem with, it’s purely the copyright issue of using it direct then, because otherwise there is no difference in the source material itself other than direct posting of it is provenly accurate whereas otherwise it may or may not be accurately related depending upon the posters, interpretation, accuracy or motivation. Fair point about not… Read more »

Spyinthesky
Spyinthesky
1 year ago
Reply to  farouk

Then why did you do so in your first claim? You can’t dismiss others claims due to ‘blanks’ while ignoring the very same blanks yourself in claiming your own ‘fact’ as sacrosanct surely. Time will prove who is right or wrong I suspect, before then probably best to be a little more nuanced in claims either way.

maurice10
maurice10
1 year ago
Reply to  Steve

Yes, but with just a hint of saffron and vodka essence.

Spyinthesky
Spyinthesky
1 year ago
Reply to  Steve

What do they say about hindsight

Airborne
Airborne
1 year ago
Reply to  Steve

😂😂😂

John Clark
John Clark
1 year ago
Reply to  Steve

Oh, it’s not that simple… First off, what consistency of Cow Shit… At least five years throwing shit against a wall trials are clearly required before we can even think of the next step! It will of course have to be shit created from Special Bae Systems genetically modified cattle. I must furthermore absolutely insist the trebuchets are manufactured in Yeovil, it’s vital we keep Waistlands going afterall, they can also construct the special ‘ammunition carts’ to be pulled along by the now redesignated Ajax ammunition carriers and cart pullers. I would also like to see at least four of… Read more »

FormerUSAF
FormerUSAF
1 year ago
Reply to  Steve

Hope you are indeed correct, because US may be forced to recall F-22s on very short notice for redeployment to Indo-Pacific theater, if certain events occur. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Speaker, US House of Representatives is rumored to wish to visit Taiwan on a near term foreign trip (the wisdom of a visit is truly debatable). This action will, quite probably, arouse the competitive spirit of the ChiComs, as plainly advertised. Presume festivities would begin in the conventional realm, before transitioning to nuclear flash-bangs. Actually, may be more advantageous to joust now, when their inventory is several hundred warheads vs. later… Read more »

FormerUSAF
FormerUSAF
1 year ago
Reply to  FormerUSAF

… followed…

Gavin Gordon
Gavin Gordon
1 year ago
Reply to  Steve

Aside, see the first mutterings from America, no more than that for now, of becoming
involved in our Tempest 6th generation effort. Had been wondering, considering F35, and maybe a bit like the submarines as well? World events are promoting many new attitudes and linkups, like AUKUS for instance.
With Russia and China to contend with, it’s unlikely even the USA thinks it can supply everyone. Now, about Europe and our little tiffs……

andy reevesandy262@gmail.com
1 year ago
Reply to  Steve

A look at the inventory at th aircraft regeneration facility in Arizona shows300 plus f 16’s and almost as many f 15’s already built available for reactivation. We sold( 72 active harriers for peanuts how many aircraft would the U.k get for the same money?

Robert Blay.
Robert Blay.
1 year ago

The F22 is a stunning machine with some unbeatable capabilities. But for a good few quid less, the Typhoon isn’t far behind in pure air to air capability. Both jets excel at high attitude supersonic performance and BVR capability. But the F35 is a generation ahead in avionics and situational awareness capability. It doesn’t have the brute performance and agility of the F22 or Typhoon (wasn’t designed to be) But with a focus on strike and stealth, with exceptional A2A, it’s a perfect combination when operating with F22 or Typhoon or F15EX. I’d highly recommend a trip to Lakenheath while… Read more »

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
1 year ago
Reply to  Robert Blay.

Agreed. I have never seen one live.

Robert Blay
Robert Blay
1 year ago

They really do look the part mate, and make one hell of a racket with a full reheat takeoff. 👍

Chris
Chris
1 year ago

I saw a couple on the Mach Loop a few years ago, coming at you head on they’re a sight to behold.

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
1 year ago
Reply to  Chris

I plan to go there one day, not done it yet.

farouk
farouk
1 year ago

At one airshow I saw a B1 bomber (female pilot) carry out spectacular aerobatic manoeuvres for the crowd. Now if a B1 could do that, I suspect a F22 doing similar would be breath taking.  Saying that I have also seen the B2 fly over (escorted either side by a F15) brought the town to a standstill as they flew over. Also seen the F117 on a 2 fence display (RAF police on the outer fence) Armed US on the inside. I was suprised how small it was

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
1 year ago
Reply to  farouk

Hi mate.

Saw the B2 solo fly bye at a Mildenhall Air Fete, don’t remember if I saw the F117, think I did at Farnborough static under guard as you say.

The Air Fetes were my fav, not done Fairford yet. The sight of a FAA Sqn of Sea Harriers lined up at the hover then bowing to the crowd! Will never forget it. 😍

farouk
farouk
1 year ago

Have to admit, Ive been pretty lucky with airshows, went to Farnbrough when I based at Gib Barracks (basic training) and got in on my ID card, Fairford when it was closed relocated to RAF Cottesmore for one year in 2001, (I got free tickets to that as they used our camp for accommodation and we received loads of free tickets) I dated a girl whose dad worked at Waddington and so i got to visit the airshow there twice for free and then for 3 years on the trot I was tasked with running the army side of things… Read more »

The Artist Formerly Known As Los Pollos Chicken
The Artist Formerly Known As Los Pollos Chicken
1 year ago
Reply to  Robert Blay.

Aye incredible to think F15 first flew in July 1972! Yet in here the lame tired old shite about RAF kit ( Typhoon) being too old from the usual clueless carpet baggers 😂 does provide some amusement.

The U.K. & US really do operate some amazing kit

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧

PAB
PAB
1 year ago

6 F-22’s were heading south over Lincolnshire yesterday evening impressive sight

budgie bubu
budgie bubu
1 year ago
Reply to  PAB

absolutley
there the greatest fighter jet there is
its not an opinion
its cold hard facts
f-15s will do much damage too if deployed1😊😊

Jacko
Jacko
1 year ago

That’s the roads around lakenheath stuffed for a few days then🤗🥴

Jacko
Jacko
1 year ago
Reply to  Jacko

You obviously have not been around that base when a new type makes an appearance 😂

Jacko
Jacko
1 year ago
Reply to  Jacko

Read above.

Spyinthesky
Spyinthesky
1 year ago
Reply to  Jacko

Not really related but reminded me of a few interesting moments one as a Blackbird took off at Mildenhall still leaving me rattling to this day I think and also remember when working near the reservoirs along the River Lea during bright days watching Apaches hovering above, I’m convinced they were ‘targeting’ traffic on the road passing between those large areas of water. no doubt testing the ability to keep a lock as light reflected off the water I presume. Unless anyone else knows better.

John Stott
John Stott
1 year ago

Do not let them go near Serbia 😂

Leslie Leveson
Leslie Leveson
1 year ago

One wonders what the sixth generation aircraft will be lke with its capabilties.Yes it is a aircraft of advanced technology, with stealth , but yet has to prove itself in combat against adversaries
Rasputin is unpredictable with his mood swings,and only time when the Russian bear will extend it claws.
Thankfully it is good to know that Western nations have aircraft technology should the inevitable happen.
For the Americans to deploy this aircraft to the Uk perhaps the know something , and hence this move

Robert Blay.
Robert Blay.
1 year ago
Reply to  Leslie Leveson

F22 has deployed to the UK before. They are heading to Poland. It doesn’t mean war is imminent.

Mr Trevor D C Gamble
Mr Trevor D C Gamble
1 year ago

Why show pictures of F35s then?

Paul T
Paul T
1 year ago

Where ?.

paul stott
paul stott
1 year ago

Gotta love the srm chair generals

What i find mad is f22 tech was back in90’s thsts nut

andy reevesandy262@gmail.com
1 year ago

And Americas biggest airaft Cartier floats again the u.s.s great Britain ready for use