Two F-35 Lightning IIs and 20 supporting airmen are in Bulgaria Friday to bolster Europe’s defenses, U.S. European Command announced.
“This deployment clearly demonstrates our nation’s contribution to the security and collective defense here in Europe,” said Army Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti, the commander of U.S. European Command and NATO’s supreme allied commander for Europe. “It shows we are serious about territorial integrity and will defend our interests with the most advanced capabilities our nation has to offer.”
The deployment is the second time the U.S. has sent F-35 Lightning IIs close to Russia this week. Lightning IIs were sent to Estonia on Tuesday.
It’s the first time the F-35A has been on a flying training deployment in Europe and the exercise is a show to America’s European allies that the U.S. is committed to the continent’s defense, according to a military statement.
The first aircraft and airmen started arriving in Bulgaria on April 15 and will remain in the country for several weeks.
The plans were joined by a KC-135 Stratotanker, which refuels jets during flights.
