US Sends Dozens of Military Aircraft to Middle East as Iran Tensions Rise

(MENAFN) Open-source data indicates that more than 300 US military aircraft are currently positioned across the Middle East, reflecting heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran.

Reports show that these aircraft are primarily stationed at Al-Udeid Air Base, Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, and Prince Sultan Air Base. Additional forces are aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford.

Since early January, an estimated 270 C-17 and C-5 logistical flights have supported the buildup of forces under US Central Command (CENTCOM), including deployment of Patriot and THAAD missile defense systems. Reports indicate that roughly 75 KC-46 and KC-135 refueling and transport aircraft remain in the region or en route.

The deployed fleet combines both combat and support roles. Approximately 84 F-18E/F, 36 F-15E, 48 F-16C/CJ/CM, and 42 F-35A/C aircraft make up nearly 70% of the total. The remaining 30% includes specialized aircraft such as 18 EA-18G “Growler” electronic warfare jets, 12 A-10C “Thunderbolt” close air support planes, 5 E-11A Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) aircraft, and 6 E-3 “Sentry” AWACS planes.

No movements of B-2 bombers, previously used in last year’s Operation Midnight Hammer, have been observed, according to reports.

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