F-22 Raptor stealth fighter jets deployed from US to RAF Lakenheath to conduct training

An F-22 Raptor from the 1st Fighter Wing, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia lands at RAF Lakenheath. Picture: US Air Force/ Tech Sgt Matthew Plew (Image: Archant)

The US Air Force has deployed F-22 Raptors to RAF Lakenheath to conduct air training.

The stealth fighter jets, which perform both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, will conduct training alongside F-15s from the 48th Fighter Wing stationed at the Suffolk base.

The F-22s, airmen and equipment are from the 27th Fighter Squadron and 94th Fighter Squadron based at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia.

While at RAF Lakenheath, the F-22s will also be deployed from the UK to other NATO bases to maximize training opportunities, and demonstrate the US Air Force’s “steadfast commitment to NATO allies and deter any actions that destabilise regional security”.

MORE - Relocation of RAF Lakenheath squadrons from Suffolk to Italy underway

The Flying Training Deployment has been funded by the European Deterrence Initiative.

F-22 factfile

Wingspan: 13.6 metres

Length: 18.9 metres

Speed: Mach two, 1,534mph, with supercruise capability

Crew: one

Armament: one M61A2 20-millimeter cannon with 480 rounds, two AIM-9 infrared (heat seeking) air-to-air missiles, six AIM-120 radar-guided air-to-air missiles or two 1,000lbs GBU-32 JDAMs and two AIM-120 radar-guided air-to-air missiles.

Cost: $143m