Home  /  Newsroom  /  2022  /  United States Air Force F-16s from Italy support NATO’s collective defence in Croatia

RAMSTEIN, Germany - The U.S. 31st Fighter Wing from Aviano Air Base, Italy, recently deployed two F-16s to Croatia's 91st Air Base at Pleso, March 16.

Directing our strategic capabilities from any number of forward locations builds a resilient force, ready to pivot and counter aggression anywhere at a moment's notice.

The U.S. F-16s are directly supporting NATO's collective defense in Southeast Europe through training on the U.S.'s Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concepts, alongside Croatian allies.

"Our enduring alliances and partnerships throughout the European and African theaters have enabled our multi-capable Airmen to execute our mission as a dynamic coalition force," said General Jeff Harrigian, Commander of Allied Air Command. "Directing our strategic capabilities from any number of forward locations builds a resilient force, ready to pivot and counter aggression anywhere at a moment's notice."

A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon pilot assigned to the 555th Fighter Squadron from the 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy, lands at Croatia's 91st Air Base at Pleso, March 16, 2022. photo by Tech. Sgt. Miquel Jordan -  U.S. Air Force

The 31st FW will train alongside Croatian Allies on the U.S. Air Force's Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concepts. Training such as this enhance NATO's readiness necessary to respond to any potential challenge to the Alliance in Southeast Europe. photo by Tech. Sgt. Miquel Jordan - U.S. Air Force

The U.S. Air Force routinely executes their ACE capabilities with NATO Allies to ensure combined Allied forces are ready to respond to any threat against the Alliance. This training builds NATO's defensive capabilities, enhances Allied interoperability, and develops opportunities for strategic access. 

U.S. Air Force activities in Croatia support Allied and partner readiness throughout NATO's airspace in Southeast Europe, extending into the Mediterranean Sea.