“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.
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.