Each Raptor is worth some $44,000 per flight hour, the media outlet noted.
Washington has recently sent four of its super modern F-22 fighter jets to Germany to take part in the largest airborne war game in Europe since the end of the Cold War. The deployment, accompanied by a massive charm offensive on social media, will last until mid-September.
Touchdown! #F22s land at #Spangdahlem for 1st ever trng deplymt to Europe @Tyndall_325FW @NATO @DeptofDefense #avgeek pic.twitter.com/PEbf0xQQSn
— Spangdahlem Air Base (@Spangdahlem_AB) 28 августа 2015
The F-22 deployment is part of the $1 billion European Reassurance Initiative, which the US launched in response to the Ukrainian civil war, which the West blames on Russia. The program provides funds for enhanced military drills, the deployment of military equipment and the rotational presence of US forces across Europe.
US and NATO officials claim that these activities are purely defensive in their nature but Moscow and all those wary of Washington and Brussel's increased muscle flexing remain unconvinced.
The inaugural F-22 deployment to Europe will continue through mid-September for training between US & NATO Allies pic.twitter.com/PEtsr7FvoF
— US Mission to NATO (@USNATO) 29 августа 2015
The Kremlin has repeatedly voiced its concerns over NATO's growing assertiveness in Europe, especially close to Russia's borders. Meanwhile, Moscow has been actively involved in promoting the Minks peace process aimed at offering a diplomatic solution to the Ukrainian civil war sparked by the US-sponsored coup.