A dozen Florida Air National Guard F-15Cs and around 200 Air Guardsmen from the 125th Fighter Wing deployed as part of the second European theater security package sent to the continent, marking the ANG’s first TSP deployment in support of US Air Forces Europe-Air Forces Africa. “This is a team effort and the addition of a National Guard unit demonstrates the Total Force Integration of our Air Force around the world,” said Lt. Gen Darryl Roberson, 3rd Air Force commander, in a March 27 release. “The TSP is a strategic capability that allows the Air Force greater flexibility against evolving threats. … It reassures our allies and partner nations that our commitment to European security is a priority,” he added. Heightened tensions with Russia prompted USAFE-AFAFRICA to commence TSPs in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve this year, dispatching A-10s from Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., to Spangdahlem AB, Germany. The F-15s will forward deploy to Leeuwarden AB, Netherlands, and Graf Ignatievo AB, Bulgaria, during the six-month TSP beginning mid-April.
Pakistan's kill chain of Chinese-origin weapons was likely a bigger factor in shooting down an Indian fighter than the jets' relative strengths, an expert said.