Amid a scenario of conflict, uncertainty and political tensions, the United States moved 12 F-22 Raptor fighters to the Middle East. The stealth aircraft, considered the best in the American Air Force (USAF), left Alaska over the weekend.
The deployment of fighter jets is yet another of Washington's measures to try to defend its interests and allies in the region. Several assets are already deployed in the Red Sea, Mediterranean and Persian Gulf, including the nuclear aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) and the landing ship/helicopter carrier group USS Wasp.
The main objective is to prevent a response from Iran and Iranian-backed groups following the death of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in the Iranian capital Tehran. Haniyeh was killed in an Israeli attack, an action that was condemned by the Iranians, including threats of revenge.
“The Department of Defense continues to take steps to mitigate the possibility of regional escalation by Iran or Iran’s partners and proxies.”, said the Pentagon's deputy press secretary, Sabrina Singh, in a statement on 02/08. “To that end, Secretary Austin has ordered adjustments to the U.S. military posture designed to improve the protection of U.S. forces, increase for the defense of Israel, and ensure that the United States is prepared to respond to various contingencies.”
On Tuesday (06), the F-22s landed at the Lakenheath base, in England. Carrying external fuel tanks, the aircraft crossed the Atlantic Ocean with from six KC-46 Pegasus and two KC-10 Extender tankers.
6x F-22 Raptors as #TREND71 landing at RAF Lakenheath pic.twitter.com/sFQKGoQlCn
— Biggsy (@BiggsyTV) August 6, 2024
The fighters on the move belong to the 3rd Wing at Elmendorf-Richardson t Air Force Base, located in Anchorage, in southern Alaska. The unit's mission is to defend US interests in the Asia-Pacific. Deployed in the Middle East, the F-22s will be another deterrent tool in the region.
F-15E Strike Eagle fighters, F-16 viper and A-10 Thunderbolt II attack jets are already deployed in the Middle East. Singh said the arrival of the F-22s, United States' flagship 5th generation fighter, reinforces the response capacity of the US military.
The American presence was fundamental for Israel in April: more than 80 Iranian drones were shot down by US planes and ships. “As we have demonstrated since October and again in April, the global defense of the United States is dynamic and the Department of Defense maintains the ability to mobilize at short notice to address evolving national security threats“, said Singh.
With information Air & Space Forces Magazine.
