US deploys new stealth fighter squadron to UK Ahead of Middle East transfer

The United States has reinforced its air presence in Europe and the Middle East by deploying an additional squadron of fifth-generation stealth aircraft to the United Kingdom, as part of a broader regional buildup, according to foreign media reports.

Twelve F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters and twelve F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft arrived at the Royal Air Force base in Lakenheath following a transatlantic flight. The F-35A fighters departed from Hill Air Force Base in Utah, while the F-15E aircraft flew from Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. During the transfer, the jets were supported by US Air Force KC-135R Stratotanker and KC-46 Pegasus aerial refuelling aircraft.

The deployment is viewed as a staging move ahead of further redeployment to the Middle East. Muwaffak Salti Air Base in Jordan already hosts a significant American contingent, including 30 F-35A fighters and 36 F-15E aircraft.

At the same time, Israeli media reported additional US airpower movements in the region. On February 24, a squadron of 11 F-22 Raptor fifth-generation stealth fighters arrived in Israel after flying from England, where they had been temporarily based. The aircraft landed at the Ovda airbase in the Negev desert. According to the news portal JFeed, this marked the first publicly known deployment of American combat aircraft on Israeli territory.

A second squadron of 13 F-22 Raptor fighters, currently stationed at a base in the United Kingdom, is also preparing for transfer to the Middle East, with the relocation expected in the coming days.

The F-22 has previously been used in regional operations. In June last year, the aircraft provided combat cover for US B-2A Spirit strategic stealth bombers during strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Overall, the United States has now deployed more than 210 combat aircraft across the Middle East, including aviation assets operating from two aircraft carriers, underscoring a significant expansion of American military presence in the region.

By Tamilla Hasanova