Why the Air Force Is Sending Another F-35 Squadron to Europe
Once fully operational, both F-35 squadrons will replace older fourth-generation fighter jets, increasing the capabilities and lethality of NATO air forces in the region.
In a recent written statement to Congress, the top U.S. military officer in Europe shed some light on the condition—and operational readiness—of America’s fleet of F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jets in Europe.
America’s F-35s in Europe
U.S. Army General Christopher G. Cavoli, the commander of U.S. European Command (USEUCOM), wrote to the Senate Armed Services Committee about the situation of U.S. forces in Europe. Within his statement, Gen. Canoli announced that the U.S. Air Force would soon achieve full readiness for its F-35 stealth fighter jet fleet on the Continent.
“USEUCOM established one F-35 squadron at Royal Air Force (RAF) Lakenheath in the United Kingdom, which is now fully operational. A second squadron of F-35s will be complete this summer and will achieve full operational capability this fall,” the top U.S. military officer in Europe said.
America’s two F-35 squadrons in Europe are the 495th Fighter Squadron, the “Valkyries,” and the 493rd Fighter Squadron, the “Grim Reapers.” The former was the first Air Force F-35A operational unit overseas.
When taken together, the two fighter jet squadrons will field approximately 52 F-35A Lightning II stealth jets. The United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force and Royal Navy also operate the stealth fighter jet, though only the “B” version of the aircraft that has Short Takeoff, Vertical Landing (STOVL) capabilities. Several other European air forces in NATO also fly the stealth fighter jet.
Once fully operational, both F-35 squadrons will replace older fourth-generation fighter jets, increasing the capabilities and lethality of NATO air forces in the region.
F-35s ACE-ing Across Europe
Cavoli also emphasized the importance of the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept in air operations in the region. America’s F-35s, after all, are expected to be able to deploy anywhere in Europe and support U.S. and NATO operations.
“To enable aerospace lethality, USEUCOM continues to work with our Allies and partners to implement the U.S. Air Force’s Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept,” the EUCOM leader stated.
Under the ACE concept, the Air Force plans to quickly deploy fighter jets across an area of operations in order to complicate adversary targeting and increase the survival rate, and thus effectiveness, of its forces.
“Once fully realized, ACE is envisioned to support American and Allied aircraft with shared infrastructure in multiple locations throughout Europe, enabling our air forces to become more dynamic and survivable against our adversaries’ air and anti-air defense capabilities,” the EUCOM Commander wrote.
The U.S. Air Force’s presence at RAF Lakenheath has been important since the end of World War II. At that time, in anticipation of a potential conflict with the Soviet Union, the U.S. military deployed strategic bombers capable of carrying nuclear munitions to the British air base. As the Cold War progressed, the Air Force deployed increasingly more forces at RAF Lakenheath, including nuclear munitions.
It was only in 2008 that the U.S. military withdrew its final nuclear bombs from the British air base, focusing its efforts instead on the raging wars in the Middle East. Now that Washington’s attention has shifted to Russia and its expansionism in eastern Europe, it is possible the munitions might some day return.
About the Author: Stavros Atlamazoglou
Stavros Atlamazoglou is a seasoned defense journalist specializing in special operations and a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ). He holds a BA from the Johns Hopkins University and an MA from the Johns Hopkins’ School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). His work has been featured in Business Insider, Sandboxx, and SOFREP.
Image: Shutterstock / kamilpetran.