US fighter jets destroy ground targets at Estonia's central training ground

U.S. F-16 fighter jets fired at ground targets during a joint training exercise of the air forces of Estonia and the United States at the Estonian defense forces' central training ground Wednesday.

The commander of the U.S. Air Force 510th Squadron, Lt. Col. Christopher Austin, said the joint exercise has proceeded as planned and offered the squadron's pilots a good experience, spokespeople for the Estonian defense headquarters said.

Austin described the exercise as training with friends that has provided their pilots with good practice in fulfilling tactical assignments. He said it was very important that the pilots are able to hone their skills under different conditions and with different units.

"The input of Estonians to the organization of this exercise is impressive and our cooperation has been very good," the U.S. officer said according to remarks released by spokespeople in Estonian, adding that besides air-to-air exercises with Finns and Swedes have provided valuable experience.

Wednesday's exercise at the central training ground involved hitting ground targets using the onboard weapons of the aircraft as well as lighter training bombs and laser guided bombs. In addition the U.S. aircraft conducted an air-to-air exercise in the airspace of Finland and Sweden and performed low-altitude tactical flights in Estonian airspace on Wednesday.

The chief of staff of the Estonian Air Force, Lt. Col. Riivo Valge, said the joint exercise with Americans has provided the Estonian air force with experience in how to operate a squadron out of the Amari air base and the knowledge that Estonian air force personnel can do it.

In the exercise lasting from March 19 to April 17 air-to-ground training areas and air-to-air training areas are used.