THE UNITED States has sent six “electronic attack” jets to Nothern Europe that could hamper Russian forces’ radar systems.
American military forces deployed the aircraft – EA-18G Growlers – to Germany on Monday, according to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).
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Along with the jets, around 240 Navy personnel including piolets and maintenance workers also headed to Germany’s Spangdahlem Air Base.
Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said in a statement that the aircraft and personnel would be used to defend NATO’s eastern flank.
“The purpose of this deployment is to bolster readiness, enhance NATO’s collective defense posture, and further increase air integration capabilities with our allied and partner nations,” Kirby explained.
“They are not being deployed to be used against Russian forces in Ukraine.”
Kirby further emphasized that the deployment is not in response to a perceived threat or a particular incident.
A senior DoD official noted in a separate press release on Monday that while the jets would be based in Germany, “they’ll be flying missions in support of eastern flank deterrence and defense.”
Growlers are designed to disrupt enemy air defenses by obstructing the radar systems.
This is known as “electronic warfare” and works by emitting a flood of radiofrequency waves.
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The planes deployed on Monday come from an electronic attack squadron known as VAQ-134, or the “Garudas”.
Navy Captain Christopher Bahner, the commander of Electronic Attack Wing Pacific, said on Monday that he was “extremely proud of the men and women in VAQ-134.”
“The Garudas have performed exceptionally well during their planned work-up cycle and stand ready to support U.S. expeditionary and allied task forces in Europe,” Bahner added.
To date, the U.S. has committed around 14,000 troops to “reassure NATO” as war rages on in Ukraine, Military Times reported.
American military forces currently deployed throughout Germany, Poland, and Hungary include fighter jets, attack helicopters, and infantry battalions.
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