U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa has announced that F-15E Strike Eagles assigned to the 492nd Fighter Squadron, RAF Lakenheath, England, and KC-135 Stratotankers assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England, arrived at Amari Air Base, Estonia on 1 November.
“While at Amari, the fighter aircraft will test the airfield’s BAK-14 cable arresting system and are scheduled to conduct close air support training with Estonian Joint Terminal Attack Controllers. The KC-135s are providing refueling support to the F-15Es,” the US Air Force said in a release on Thursday.
The BAK-14 cable arresting system is used to safely bring fighter aircraft to a stop in the event of an emergency. The system was paid for with FY16 European Deterrence Initiative (EDI) funding. Activities funded through EDI increase the capability and readiness of U.S. forces allowing for a faster response in the event of any aggression by a regional adversary against the sovereign territory of a NATO ally.
Estonia is a key NATO ally in Europe and a strong U.S. partner in fostering regional security and prosperity. Continual interaction between the U.S. and Estonia enables us to strengthen overall coordination during times of crisis or security threats.