Itamilradar: US deploys 18 F-35A stealth fighters to Middle East

17 February 2026 09:09

On 16 February, the United States redeployed an additional 18 fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters to the Middle East to reinforce its air contingent in the region, Itamilradar reports.

The aircraft departed from the Royal Air Force base RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom. Their transfer to the Middle East was supported by Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker tanker aircraft.

According to the report, the deployment of the F-35A Lightning II represents one of the largest simultaneous transfers of US combat aviation assets to the region, signalling a significant build-up of American military capabilities in the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran.

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