US deploys F-22s to Middle East to deter Russia's 'unprofessional' behaviour

The US Air Force is sending F-22 Raptors to the Middle East in response to the "unsafe and unprofessional" behaviour of Russian aircraft.

Deployment of the F-22s from the 94th Fighter Squadron out of Langley Air Force Base in Virginia was announced in a Central Command press release.

Officials said it was a show of "US support and capability in the wake of increasingly unsafe and unprofessional behavior by Russian aircraft in the region".

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General Michael 'Erik' Kurilla, commander of US Central Command, said, Russia's actions were not "what we expect from a professional air force".

He added: "Their regular violation of agreed-upon airspace deconfliction measures increases the risk of escalation or miscalculation.

"Alongside our partners and allies, we are committed to improving the security and stability in the region."

This comes at a time that Russia is pursuing aggressive tactics in the Baltic region, with Royal Air Force Typhoons from 140 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW) intercepting Russian aircraft flying close to Nato airspace as recently as Wednesday (14 June).

And earlier this month, RAF Typhoons intercepted multiple Russian aircraft twice in less than 24 hours.