There are more combat aircraft and different capabilities available now for the fight against ISIS, including US Air Force B-52s, A-10s, and F-16s, which recently deployed to US Central Command, said Army Col. Steve Warren, spokesman for Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve. Additionally, Marine Corps EA-6B Prowlers have deployed to Incirlik AB, Turkey, bringing an electronic warfare capability that was not there before, Warren said. The Danish Parliament voted this week to expand its role in the ISIS fight and will deploy seven F-16s, a C-130J, and additional troops, including special operations forces, reported Reuters. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said Denmark’s decision is a “sign of the growing momentum for the campaign to defeat ISIL.” Carter called Denmark a “steadfast partner” and noted the country already has contributed “strike aircraft, air defense radar, and training and assistance to Iraqi forces.” Lt. Gen. Charles Brown, commander of Air Forces Central Command, said at the Air Force Association’s Air Warfare Symposium in February that he charts prospected numbers of deployed aircraft, with peaks and valleys of how much airpower is available. The new aircraft numbers represent a peak, as Iraqi forces prepare to fight ISIS in large cities such as Mosul. (See also: AFCENT’s Rapid Evolution.)
Amid NATO’s continued push to ramp up air defenses in Eastern Europe, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall swung by seven allied countries to boost relations last week, including those on Russia’s and Ukraine’s doorstep.