RAF Lakenheath planespotters gather as F-22 fighter jets arrive
Planespotters have gathered outside an airbase after a dozen jets rarely seen outside of the United States landed.F-22 Raptor fighter jets, which are exclusively flown by the US Air Force (USAF), arrived at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk on Wednesday night.It comes as at least 30 other US military planes were moved from bases in the United States to Europe over the past few days as Israel and Iran continue to attack each other.A United States defence official said they were unable to provide details about the deployment of aircraft due to "operational security".
RAF Lakenheath hosts the USAF's 48th Fighter Wing and is the largest US fighter operation in Europe.The wing employs four combat-ready fighter squadrons of F-15 Strike Eagles and F-35A Lighting II aircraft.Planespotters at RAF Lakenheath reported an increase in activity over the past few days with the F-22 jets' arrival as well as 16 F-35As leaving on Monday. They expressed excitement at being able to see the aircraft but also concern at the reasons for their appearance.
John Millard travelled to the viewing area to get a look for himself and said it was often "jam packed" when news of incoming jets breaks."It's one of their stealth fighter bombers and of course in coming here there's been a lot of interest," he said of the F-22 jets."Here at Lakenheath they've got the F-15s and F-35s so it's unusual for another fighter bomber to actually arrive."The base is currently closed due to a United States holiday and the jets were expected to be leaving again in the next few days."Unfortunately we don't know which runway they'll be using, it all depends on the wind," Mr Millard continued."But yes, I'll come along."
Mick Coppin travelled from Lincolnshire to the base to watch the activity."It's quite exciting for me today hearing that news - we now hope to see some F-22 Raptors because they're awesome planes," he said."We don't know the reason there here... but just to see one would be spectacular."It's the sheer power and you don't see them outside the USA, to see them here would be wonderful."Mr Coppin believed the arrival of the F-22s "should concern us all", but he added there was "nothing we can do about it".
Steve Huntley came up from Essex and got to the viewing point early."I've been going to many airshows over the years and never seen one and the fact that 12 (F-22s) arrived here last night is really something," he said."It's a very rare sight."Mr Huntley did not believe it was something to be worried about."I think it's more of a deterrent," he added."They're the best fighter aircraft in the world... they're an amazing aircraft and for an enthusiast it's like Christmas."
Tanker aircrafts have also been spotted arriving at nearby RAF Mildenhall.The 352nd Special Operations Wing, based at the site, performs specialised operations and uses advanced aircraft, tactics and air fuelling techniques to transport and resupply military forces. An United States official told the BBC: "Due to operational security, we cannot provide details about the deployment of aircraft, personnel, or capabilities."
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