Two more US F-35 Sqns to the Lakenheath, UK

[NorvilleRogers]

Thanks for the link. With regards the UK and Poland; when referring to Poland the text uses WILL , for example will rotate a CAB etc. However, regarding the two Squadrons in the UK the text uses ARE :-

" In the United Kingdom, we are increasing our Fifth Generation Fighter presence "

Vs

" In Poland, we will permanently forward station ..... "


The difference maybe subtle but 'will' be is something going to happen and 'are' is something already being done. In other words the two Squadrons are already standing up :- 495FS and 493FS

Yes reading the DoD press release, it doesn’t mention ‘additional’ at all, so I would also assume they are referring to the two units already in the process of standing up.

But the press release goes on to say that they will be "forward-stationing" two squadrons of F-35s at Lakenheath. The 493rd and 495th have Lakenheath as their permanent homes, so forward-stationing would not be an accurate description. Therefore my money is still on two additional squadrons over and above 493rd/495th (fingers crossed).

Anything from USA that is not based in CONUS is forward stationed?

[ArabJazzie]

That's how I read it - the two existing Squadrons ARE being increased with Fifth generation jets

Of course I hope Russia see's sense and the war finishes asap but until that happens we will most likely see regular long deployments similar to Inherent Resolve and other ops in the mid East

While my thinking was the same as yours, i cant get past the fact this statement was all about increasing the US Forces presence in Europe, and specifically "In the United Kingdom, we are increasing our Fifth Generation Fighter presence and ability to support Allies across Europe by forward-stationing two squadrons of F-35s at RAF Lakenheath."

To me that says there are 2 deployments heading your way very soon, but will it be on a par with Strike Eagle deployments that have passed through over recent years, or just enough to do the job?
Arabest,
Geoff.

[slogen51]

It looks like the number of US Army Helicopters in Europe could drastically increase?

[XWP29]

Well Biden has managed to confuse.
It’ll be sometime before the 495th and 493rd are up to strength.
USMC F-35’s based at the under used RAF Marham could happen quite quickly?

[XWP29]

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-roo ... in-madrid/

[XWP29]

Well Biden has managed to confuse.
It’ll be sometime before the 495th and 493rd are up to strength.
USMC F-35’s based at the under used RAF Marham could happen quite quickly?

“Two squadrons of F-35 aircraft to the United Kingdom”.

The communication says nothing new, re spun news.

[Cyberfox]

A longer term tdy deployment of the two sqns to LN then, rather than permanently based? Or is it just the existing units equipping?

[slogen51]

That is what this thread is discussing!

I personally think it reads that the two Squadrons of F-35A are to be based in the UK - the 493rd and 495th Fighter squadrons. Classic political manoeuvre to present something already happening as a new contribution.

Undoubtedly the piece talks about more soldiers and a CAB in Europe - Poland

[XWP29]

That is what this thread is discussing!

I personally think it reads that the two Squadrons of F-35A are to be based in the UK - the 493rd and 495th Fighter squadrons. Classic political manoeuvre to present something already happening as a new contribution.

Undoubtedly the piece talks about more soldiers and a CAB in Europe - Poland

Exactly Mike. The Twitter post at the start of the thread should be read in context of the official statement.

[Kurnass]

The obvious place to base the extra F-35 squadrons is RAF Luton.

But will they fly together with the Canberras?

[FFDspotter]

That is what this thread is discussing!

I personally think it reads that the two Squadrons of F-35A are to be based in the UK - the 493rd and 495th Fighter squadrons. Classic political manoeuvre to present something already happening as a new contribution.

Undoubtedly the piece talks about more soldiers and a CAB in Europe - Poland

Think this makes sense, however the twitter post does say "new US military deployments to Europe". 493 & 495 are to be permanently based squadrons, instead of deployments. The "additional" does imply these squadrons are ontop of what they have already got based there? Obviouly may be wrong here

[slogen51]

This thread is about the two new squadrons question - my view and none of us really know yet, is that it reads as the two 48FW Squadrons.

Of course deployment to in support of the NATO enforcement are already happening and will probably increase judging by the social media posts - none of this really helps the Ukraine as they are not part of NATO. What the Ukraine needs is more sophisticated weapons to neutralize the enemy.

[Canberra TT.18]

Or deploy 2 (combat ready) squadrons of F-35s for the periode 493 and 495 are not up to full combat readiness.

As long as you can read in to it anything you like we keep fantasizing...

[XWP29]

That is what this thread is discussing!

I personally think it reads that the two Squadrons of F-35A are to be based in the UK - the 493rd and 495th Fighter squadrons. Classic political manoeuvre to present something already happening as a new contribution.

Undoubtedly the piece talks about more soldiers and a CAB in Europe - Poland

Think this makes sense, however the twitter post does say "new US military deployments to Europe". 493 & 495 are to be permanently based squadrons, instead of deployments. The "additional" does imply these squadrons are ontop of what they have already got based there? Obviouly may be wrong here

Twitter post by a journalist. The official release has no mention of “additional”

[BOLLO]

Or a wing in reserve at Fairford

I think you could be right there lots going on at Fairford

Would think it will be air fields with protected shelter's like Bentwaters/ Woodbridge which are still reasobly intact..Not sure what state Heyford is in ?

[Blue Diamond]

The obvious place to base the extra F-35 squadrons is RAF Luton.

But will they fly together with the Canberras?

Top cover to TSR2 squadrons is what I’ve heard.

[iainpeden]

I thought those bases were totally and irreversibly deactivated. Upper Heyford is covered with cars I think.
The only currently active base I can think of, apart from Marham, with spare HAS space is Boscombe and that is very unlikely although it has hosted USAF deployments in the past.

[BOLLO]

If only on TDY could go any place really LN/Hall/FFD I suppose?

[KevinJ]

Reading the press release I'm with slogen51, it's just the two current F-35A squadrons at Lakenheath. They talk about additional aircraft deployments to the Baltic states but only mention the bolstering of 5th gen aircraft in the UK, something that's happening anyway. Only the Twitter post mentioned 2 "additional" F-35 squadrons which I think they read wrongly from hearing Biden's statement.

[STN RAMP RAT]

Biden said, and he was reading from a piece of paper, two additional Squadrons.
The press release says "The United States will take the following additional actions .... 2 Squadrons of F35's to the United Kingdom"

for me the two squadrons at Lakenheath are existing and not additional, I expect that there will be a rotation of F35's from US based units through Lakenheath.