The US Air Force has deployed its F-16 fighter jets to Poland and Bulgaria this week, reinforcing its presence in Eastern Europe even as Ukraine prepares to receive its first batch of F-16s.  

On July 16, six F-16s from the Oklahoma Air National Guard’s 138th Fighter Wing touched down at Łask Air Base in Poland. On the same day, another six F-16s from the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base in Italy landed at Bezmer Air Base in Bulgaria.

The deployments are part of well-established bilateral agreements designed to enhance regional defense capabilities and promote cooperation among allied forces.

The arrival of the Oklahoma F-16s in Poland marks a continuation of the rotational deployment under the auspices of the 52nd Operations Group, strengthening the ongoing partnership between US and Polish air forces.

According to US Air Forces in Europe, the deployment is designed to enhance joint readiness and ensure a rapid response capability crucial for maintaining peace and stability in the region.

On the other hand, the F-16s deployed to Bulgaria are participating in Thracian Viper, a biannual exercise designed to enhance operational cooperation among forces from Bulgaria, Romania, Greece, Croatia, Italy, and the United States.

The exercise facilitates crucial training opportunities and integrates Bulgaria’s aging Soviet-era fighters with modern F-16 capabilities ahead of its procurement of F-16 Block 70 aircraft from Lockheed Martin, scheduled for 2025.

Bulgaria recently inaugurated a new runway at Graf Ignatievo air base to accommodate these advanced fighters. Caretaker Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov formally handed over the operational certification of the new runway, noting its importance in supporting future operations of the F-16 squadron.

Zapryanov emphasized the ongoing efforts to uphold the airworthiness of Bulgaria’s existing MiG-29 fleet until the transition to F-16s is completed, underscoring the nation’s commitment to a smooth integration of its new fighter capabilities.

The Defense Ministry of Bulgaria confirmed that essential infrastructure development at Graf Ignatievo air base was on track for completion by 2025, ensuring readiness for the incoming F-16 Block 70 aircraft.

US Air Force Increases Its Presence In Eastern Europe

The US Air Force has significantly bolstered its presence across Eastern Europe and NATO’s eastern flank in recent years, playing a crucial role in monitoring airspace against potential Russian intrusions amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The US Air Force’s increased efforts to fortify its strategic positioning close to Ukraine’s borders are evident in the deployment of F-16s to Łask Air Base in Poland and Bezmer Air Base in Bulgaria.

Located approximately 200 miles from Ukraine’s border, Łask Air Base has served as a rotational hub for USAF fighter squadrons since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began.

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Most recently, in April, four F-35s from RAF Lakenheath, UK, were stationed there as part of NATO’s ongoing air policing mission, underscoring the base’s pivotal role in regional security.

Conversely, Bezmer Air Base, situated less than 250 miles from southern Ukraine near the Black Sea, represents another critical deployment location. In addition to being stationed in Romania and Estonia, these forward-operating bases enable quick response capabilities and improved operational readiness in the region.

Meanwhile, countries in Eastern Europe, including Poland and Bulgaria, are actively enhancing their air defense capabilities with advanced fighter aircraft.

Bulgaria, for instance, is slated to procure 16 F-16s, while Poland has committed to acquiring F-35s. Additionally, nations including Norway, the Netherlands, and Belgium have promised to transfer their F-16 fleets to Ukraine and are transitioning to the acquisition of F-35s.

NATO officials recently reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine’s security by announcing the start of F-16 deliveries. Operational flights are expected to begin in the summer months.

Nevertheless, the growing presence of the USAF close to Ukrainian borders has raised concerns in Moscow, where officials have repeatedly cautioned against any action that could be perceived as provocative.

Further, the proximity of the F-16 aircraft to Ukraine may prompt Russian experts to speculate that these jets could potentially infiltrate Ukrainian airspace, launch standoff missiles against Russian military targets, and then return to their bases in NATO countries.

Retired Indian Air Force Air Marshal Anil Chopra, a veteran fighter test pilot, shared his insights on this contentious issue with the EurAsian Times.

Chopra highlighted the need to prevent further escalation in the conflict, affirming that the US Air Force would approach any operation after careful consideration.

“I think the US will be very cautious considering the escalation and also the upcoming Presidential Elections,” Chopra stated, highlighting the sensitive political dynamics at play.

He further underscored the ramifications of any operational mishap, noting, “One aircraft getting shot would mean serious embarrassment for US President Joe Biden.” He added, “Firing a stand-off weapon can keep them[F-16s] safe, but satellites and radars can give away.”

The deployment of F-16s near Ukraine underscores the delicate balance between maintaining regional security and avoiding actions that could exacerbate tensions.

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