Twelve fifth-generation F-22 Raptor fighter jets departed Ovda Airbase near Eilat this morning, according to American media reports. The aircraft, stationed in Israel since February, are expected to land at RAF Fairford in the UK before continuing to the United States.
Twelve U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor stealth fighters departed Ovda Airbase near Eilat on Friday morning, according to American media reports. The jets, of the fifth-generation, are expected to land at RAF Fairford in the United Kingdom before continuing to their home bases in the United States. They had been deployed to Israel since February as part of a regional force posture amid heightened tensions with Iran.
The departure comes amid a series of reported U.S. force movements in the Middle East and Europe. Earlier this month, The Zioneer reported on the withdrawal of B-52 strategic bombers from the UK and the repositioning of aerial refueling aircraft from Israel to regional bases. The F-22 rotation appears to be a routine end-of-deployment movement, though the timing coincides with broader logistical adjustments.
This report is based on a single source citing unnamed American media outlets. The specific number of aircraft, the exact flight path, and the official rationale for the departure have not been independently confirmed.
2 developments
- DevelopingUS refueling aircraft take off from Israel, security analyst reports
- StrongLufthansa lands at Ben Gurion for first time since Operation Roaring Lion
- DevelopingOver a third of US aircraft have departed Ben Gurion Airport
- Strong20 US aircraft evacuated from Ben Gurion, 12 more expected by end of month
Source and signal
A single-sourced dispatch is never rated Confirmed or Strong. Its Signal strengthens only when a second, independent source corroborates it.
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