How U.S. Keeps Russia on Edge: F-22s Deployed in Unexpected Places

F-22 Fighter Jets to be Deployed in Syria
To Counter Russian Fighter Jets
Considered the Best in the Fleet

The deployment of United States fighter jets significantly influences regional dynamics. Regarding fighter jet capabilities, only Russia and China are on par with the U.S., and neither surpasses it. Consequently, the U.S. is developing a containment strategy aimed at Russia, openly demonstrating its ambitions to extend its influence into Europe.

The U.S. has recently deployed F-22 fighter jets not only in Eastern Europe, where tensions have been rising due to the war in Ukraine but also in the Middle East, particularly in Syria. This move seems to react to the increasing number of threatening flights by Russian fighter jets in the Middle East region. Let’s explore this situation in more detail.

Heavily Armed
The Ultimate Fighter Jet F-22

F-22s stationed in Syria have a full arsenal, including AIM-120 AMRAAM medium-range air-to-air missiles, AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles, GBU-39 small-diameter bombs, and JDAM precision-guided bombs. This comprehensive armament indicates their readiness for combat missions at any moment. This deployment is likely a response to Russia’s recent conspicuous intelligence-gathering activities at Syria’s Al-Tanf base.

The fighter jet assigned to the intelligence-gathering mission was the Sukhoi Su-35. Currently, the only aircraft in the West that match this fighter jet’s performance are the F-35 and F-22, owned by the U.S. In particular, the F-22 is dominant in air combat against Russian aircraft, making it the strongest warning the U.S. can send to Russia.

Russia’s Ambition Openly Displayed
Continues Provocative Actions

In addition to reconnaissance activities at the Al-Tanf base, earlier this year, a Russian Su-35 fighter jet approached within 2,000 feet of a U.S. aircraft. This clearly violated international law, and a U.S. F-16 Viper was dispatched to intercept the aircraft. A Clear Violation of International LawThe U.S. has exposed more than 60 treaty violations by Russia since March 1, 2023.

Russia is currently continuing its open containment and provocation against the West in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. These actions seem to prevent proactive Western intervention in the ongoing Ukraine war. As long as the war continues, these tensions between Russia and the U.S. are likely to persist.