US Air Force F-35 Lightning II jets are in Lithuania to augment the NATO Air Policing mission following Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine.

The fifth-generation fighter jets came from the 34th Fighter Squadron, currently operating out of Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany. While in Lithuania, they will be on alert to secure the skies over Baltic Allies, along with jets from the Royal Danish and Polish Air Forces.

F-35s also deployed to Ämari Air Base in Estonia and Feteşti Air Base in Romania.

The F-35 is a fifth-generation aircraft that brings sophisticated command and control capabilities to NATO’s Air Policing mission. Air policing ensures the safety of Allied skies by intercepting air traffic that fails to comply with international aviation rules and regulations.