US sending radar-jamming planes to Germany to bolster NATO, says Pentagon

The United States is sending six US Navy radar-jamming aircraft to Germany to enhance NATO capabilities, the Pentagon says.

The EA-18G Growler aircraft are “not being deployed to be used against Russian forces in Ukraine,” Pentagon spokesman John Kirby says. “They are being deployed completely in keeping with our efforts to bolster NATO’s deterrence and defense capabilities along that eastern flank.”

Kirby says the planes are expected to arrive at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany today from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Washington state.

He says the aircraft, a modified version of the F/A-18, specialize in electronic warfare, using sensors to confuse enemy radars and air defense systems.

The Pentagon spokesman says 240 navy personnel are to accompany the aircraft to Germany.