US sends F-22 raptors to Middle East in response to Russia's 'unprofessional behavior'
Raptors deployed from Langley Air Force Base, Virginia's 94th Fighter Squadron
The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor fighter aircraft of United States Air Force ( Recep Şakar - Anadolu Agency )
WASHINGTON
The US said Wednesday that its military has sent F-22 Raptors to the Middle East in response to Russia's alleged "unprofessional behavior."
"U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors deployed to U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility as part of a multifaceted show of U.S. support and capability in the wake of increasingly unsafe and unprofessional behavior by Russian aircraft in the region," CENTCOM said in a statement.
The Raptors were deployed from Langley Air Force Base, Virginia's 94th Fighter Squadron.
The statement said while in the CENTCOM area, the 94th Fighter Squadron will integrate with coalition forces on the ground and in the air.
CENTCOM Commander Gen. Erik Kurilla said Russian forces' "unsafe and unprofessional behavior is not what we expect from a professional air force.
"Their regular violation of agreed upon airspace deconfliction measures increases the risk of escalation or miscalculation," he added.
"This rapid deployment and integration into coalition operations is a clear demonstration of the commitment shared by partners, allies, and the U.S. to long-term peace and stability in the region," said the statement.
