Why These 3 U.S. Warplanes Are Gathering on Russia's Doorstep

[Larry1]

From time to time there is a discussion here about defense of the Baltic republics against a much larger neighbor who has recently demonstrated an appetite for attacks against other countries that once made up the USSR.  Here are a few excerpts from an article discussing some warplanes that have been moved to the Baltics for this purpose:

Why These 3 U.S. Warplanes Are Gathering on Russia's Doorstep

... detachments of U.S. warplanes are operating throughout the Baltic region, sending a reassuring message to American allies—and a warning to Russia. In recent weeks there have been some new arrivals: combat planes that are part of what defense wonks call a theatre security package, or TSP. Their arrival is the first TSP in Europe...

On May 5, four more A-10 Warthogs appeared at an airbase in Estonia, which has hosted some of the planes since February. That ups the number of A-10s to a dozen at that site alone.

A-10s are ungainly but tough airplanes designed as ground attack specialists, and to be the chief Cold War tool for reducing the hordes of Soviet armored vehicles that threatened Europe. Their weapons include missiles and a wicked chain gun mounted in the nose. They fly low and can take a beating.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/military/a15536/us-warplanes-gathering-in-europe/?src=spr_TWITTER&spr_id=1457_180529240

Read the rest of the article to see a description of the other two planes.