The United States is deploying additional F-35 and F-16 fighter jets to the Middle East, including F-16CJ 'Wild Weasel' aircraft from the 480th Fighter Squadron in Germany and F-35 stealth fighters from the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath in the UK, according to American officials cited by The New York Times. The deployment significantly boosts US airpower in the region amid the ongoing escalation with Iran.
The New York Times reports that the US is deploying F-16CJ Wild Weasel electronic warfare aircraft from the 480th Fighter Squadron at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany, and F-35 stealth fighters from the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath in the UK, citing American officials. This latest report adds specific unit details to the ongoing US military buildup, coming just minutes after The Zioneer reported at 22:37 Jerusalem time that 51 fighter jets had been dispatched to the region.
The Zioneer has tracked the deployment throughout the day. At 00:50 Jerusalem, the first reports from the Wall Street Journal noted that the US had announced American soldiers killed and was sending F-16s from Spangdahlem and F-35s from Lakenheath, along with tankers. Multiple additional reports followed, including from the New York Times, confirming the movements. At 13:01 Jerusalem, a security source told The Zioneer that the US plans to station roughly 100 aerial refueling aircraft in Israel, with dozens already arriving. At 22:37 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported that the US had dispatched 51 fighter jets — 15 F-35As, 12 F-15s, and 24 F-16s — from bases in the UK, Italy, and Germany. The source quality has evolved from a single report to multiple newsrooms and on-record security sources.
The deployment is part of a broader US military reinforcement amid the escalation with Iran. As The Zioneer reported on Saturday, July 18, an F-16 squadron landed in Jordan, with additional squadrons expected at regional bases. Earlier Sunday, the desk noted that some US fighter jets are expected to land at bases in Israel. The US has also been conducting routine patrols, with CENTCOM releasing photos of KC-135 tankers refueling F-16s and F-35s over the Middle East.
It remains unclear whether the aircraft detailed in the NYT report are part of the 51 jets already reported or constitute an additional deployment wave. The Pentagon has not issued an official statement confirming the specific units.
13 developments
- StrongReport: Significant increase in US Air Force aircraft movements to the Middle East
- ConfirmedUS plans to deploy roughly 100 aerial refueling aircraft to Israel, security source says
- DevelopingReport: US reinforcing forces in the Middle East
- StrongSome US fighter jets expected to land at bases in Israel
Source and signal
- Internal intake