The appearance of a dozen F-22s at the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport tarmac could be due to snow removal at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson. Or it could be a sign that tensions between Russia and the United States are ramping up, with the impending invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
The F-22s were parked overnight at the Anchorage airport, spotted after 1 am by several passengers on commercial flights.
Earlier this week, Biden spoke with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and reaffirmed the commitment of the United States to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“President Biden made clear that the United States would respond swiftly and decisively, together with its Allies and partners, to any further Russian aggression against Ukraine. The two leaders agreed on the importance of continuing to pursue diplomacy and deterrence in response to Russia’s military build-up on Ukraine’s borders,” the White House said.
On Friday, President Joe Biden said that he believes an invasion of Ukraine will come soon.
“We have reason to believe the Russian forces are planning and intend to attack Ukraine in the coming week, the coming days,” Biden said.
Several of the fighter jets departed one at a time from Ted Steven midday on Friday, and were heard widely around West Anchorage.
Also in Anchorage, C-17s were spotted leaving the Anchorage airspace.
While military planes are commonly seen in Southcentral Alaska, observers say it’s rare to see F-22s at TSIA at any time, especially the middle of winter.
