Air Force deploys F-35As to Estonia for training mission

Two F-35As arrived in Estonia today as part of a long-planned training deployment.

The jets are from the 34th Fighter Squadron and the Air Force Reserve's 466th Fighter Squadron at Hill Air Force Base, UT, according to an April 25 news release.

"The deployment has been planned for some time, has no relations to current events, and was conducted in close coordination with Estonian allies," the release states. "It allows the F-35A to engage in familiarization training within the European theater while reassuring allies and partners of U.S. dedication to the enduring peace and stability of the region."

The service sent eight jets to Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, last weekend for a pre-planned, month-long training deployment. It's unclear whether the two sent to Estonia are part of those originally sent to England.