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RAMSTEIN, Germany - Four U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jets arrived at Fetesti Air Base in Romania on September 22, 2023 to further enhance NATO Air Policing in the Black Sea region.

“I welcome the United States’ deployment of additional F-16 fighter jets to NATO’s air policing mission in Romania,” said acting NATO Spokesperson Dylan White. “This sends a clear message that we will protect every Ally. As Russia continues its brutal war of aggression against Ukraine, we have seen a number of strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure very close to NATO territory. We remain vigilant and in close contact with Allies in the region,” he added.

This deployment sends a clear message that we will protect every Ally. We remain vigilant. 

A US Air Force F-16 fighter aircraft during a previous deployment to Lask Air Base in Poland. NATO's air forces regularly conduct deployments abroad to further strengthen Alliance cohesion and collective defence. Archive photo by US Air Force 52nd Fighter wing.

Following Russia’s full-fledged invasion of Ukraine, NATO has reinforced its presence in the eastern part of the Alliance, including with new multinational battlegroups, more air and maritime presence, and regular surveillance flights.