posted on Apr, 17 2016 @ 09:53 AM
It was first reported by the Aviationist site that four F-22s out of Florida arrived at RAF Lakenheath on April 11. Other UK sites stated about a
dozen F-22s were deploying to Europe. U.S. sources declined to specify the exact number of Raptor being deployed.
www.youtube.com...
In this video of departing crew and Raptors from Tyndall show more than four departures of Raptors. Other You tube videos also show more departures
than four, as well. Unless they looped the departure vids which is a tough call as these were at night, then more than four left that same night.
The sources also stated that the F-22s would forward deploy out of the U.K. to the continent for multiple training exercises with NATO allies. One
source stated F-22s would depart the U.K. and fly to France on the 20th. Calls for a permanent raptor base in Europe seems to imply a significant
increase in the USAF presence in Europe.
The questions I have are where did the other Raptors deploy to if more than four, in fact did depart? Tyndall is the training squadron for the
Raptors. If I understand correctly, these F-22 do not have the latest upgrades or training levels of other squadrons. This 'seems' contradictory on
the surface of it. One doesn't send training units with lower capability aircraft expecting anything more than training with NATO allies. Yet
deploying Raptors, at least until September, and in larger numbers than previously is a clear message being sent.
Touch and goes by F-22s where reported out of RAF Farnham yet no pictures or vids are available so far.
Anyone have any more information on this 'deployment'?
edit on 17-4-2016 by nwtrucker because: (no reason given)