US Sends 12 Thunderbolt II Attack Planes to Eastern Europe

The United States plans to send 12 A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft and approximately 300 servicemen to NATO-member countries in Eastern Europe.

The United States has deployed 12 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft and approximately 300 servicemen to a US Air Force base located near a German town of Spangdahlem as part of a so-called Theater Security Package (TSP), the US Air Force in Europe (USAFE) announced.

Theater Security Package heading to Europe. Read more: http://t.co/G9SL0hcIfJ #ForwardReadyNow #USAFE pic.twitter.com/l3g5u3r5uS

— USAFE-AFAFRICA (@HQUSAFEPA) 10 февраля 2015

The TSP, tasked with bolstering regional security under Operation Atlantic Resolve, will then be sent to NATO-member countries in Eastern Europe. According to USAFE, the TSP will conduct flying training deployments and off-station training with NATO allies. Thunderbolt II aircraft provide close-air support of ground forces.

"The TSP is another way the Air Force is increasing rotational presence in Europe to reassure our allies and partner nations that our commitment to European security is a priority," said Lt. Gen. Tom Jones, vice commander of US Air Forces in Europe.