A security source reports that the US military is significantly bolstering its presence in the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran. According to the source, the US plans to station approximately 100 aerial refueling aircraft in Israel, with dozens already arriving over the weekend and more expected. Additionally, the US is transferring F-35s from the UK and F-15s from Germany to the region.
A security source told the Arabic-language Abu Saleh al-Arabi Desk that the US is transferring F-35s from the UK and F-15s from Germany to the region, as part of a broader military buildup. The report, published Sunday afternoon, adds to a series of developments over the past 24 hours. It follows a report earlier Sunday by The Zioneer that some US fighter jets were expected to land at Israeli bases. The new information suggests the US is reinforcing its air power alongside the refueling tanker deployments that have been arriving since Saturday.
The tanker deployment has been reported in stages. At 20:13 Jerusalem on Saturday, a senior Israeli official told Army Radio reporters that dozens of refueling tankers would return to Israel. Shortly after, reports indicated that the tankers had arrived and were being diverted to Israeli Air Force bases and Ramon Airport to avoid congestion at Ben Gurion. Transport Minister Miri Regev confirmed at that time that the tankers would land at air force bases, not Ben Gurion. Later Saturday evening, Israeli Air Force sources said the US plans to deploy approximately 100 tankers, the largest reported US tanker presence in Israel.
The buildup comes amid escalating US-Iran tensions. The Zioneer reported earlier Sunday that some US fighter jets were expected to land at Israeli bases. On Saturday, Axios reported, citing three American and Israeli sources, that the US is sending dozens of additional refueling aircraft to Israel as President Trump weighs wider strikes on Iran. The Wall Street Journal also reported that F-16s from Germany and F-35s from the UK are en route to the Middle East.
The details of the fighter transfers have not been independently verified, and the precise timeline for the full deployment of the 100 tankers remains unclear. The security source's report has not been confirmed by official US or Israeli sources.
5 developments
- DevelopingUS military deployed ~6 additional refueling aircraft across Israel overnight
- StrongAxios: US sending dozens of additional refueling aircraft to Israel as Trump weighs wider Iran strikes
- StrongTrump orders additional US refueling aircraft to be stationed at Israeli air bases, report says
- StrongUS military to relocate ~20% of refueling aircraft from Ben Gurion Airport ahead of Iran deal
Source and signal
- Internal intake