Multiple outlets, including The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, report that the United States is deploying F-35 and F-16 fighter jets from European bases to the Middle East, amid the ongoing escalation with Iran. The deployment includes aircraft from bases in Germany and the UK, with some reports citing specific numbers of aircraft.
The United States is deploying additional F-35 and F-16 fighter jets from European bases to the Middle East, according to multiple reports from The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, amid the ongoing escalation with Iran.
The Wall Street Journal reported early Sunday that US F-35s from RAF Lakenheath in the UK and F-16s from Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany are en route to the region, alongside aerial tanker aircraft. The report came as the US announced the deaths of two American soldiers in earlier strikes and indicated that Iran may be receiving intelligence support from China or Russia.
The New York Times later confirmed the movement, citing American officials. Additional unverified reports on social media specify a larger deployment: 15 F-35As from the UK, 12 F-15s, and 24 F-16s from bases in Italy and Germany.
The Zioneer reported earlier on Sunday that the US was deploying F-16CJ 'Wild Weasel' aircraft from the 480th Fighter Squadron and F-35 stealth fighters from the 48th Fighter Wing. The current reports corroborate and expand on that movement.
The deployment significantly boosts US airpower in the region. The Pentagon has not yet officially commented on the specific numbers. The situation remains developing as the US continues to increase its force posture in the Middle East.
13 developments
- ConfirmedUS plans to deploy roughly 100 aerial refueling aircraft to Israel, security source says
- DevelopingF-16 fighter squadron with 5 refueling aircraft heads to Middle East, report says
- StrongWSJ: US F-35s from UK base, aerial tankers en route to Middle East
- DevelopingUS Central Command releases photo of KC-135 refueling F-16s over Middle East
Source and signal
- Internal intake