Israeli media reported that 12 US F-22 stealth fighters landed in the country on 24/2 and are stationed at an air base in southern Israel. The Times of Israel noted this deployment for combat operations, rather than joint training, is an extremely rare move.
According to civilian aviation tracking data, this F-22 squadron arrived at Lakenheath Air Base in the UK last week and stayed there for several days, possibly due to waiting for an accompanying refueling aircraft to be fixed.
The US Department of Defense has not commented on the information.
US F-22 fighter jets departing Lakenheath Air Base in the UK on 24/2. *Video: X/TallGlenn85*
The arrival of the F-22s is part of a larger US military reinforcement in the Middle East. In recent days, the US has dispatched dozens of F-15, F-16, and F-35 fighter jets to the region. This month, dozens of refueling aircraft and hundreds of US cargo flights have also arrived.
These military movements occur amid ongoing negotiations between the US and Iran regarding Tehran's nuclear program. Both sides are scheduled to meet on 26/2 in Switzerland. According to some sources, the US delegation has accepted a draft proposal from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Despite diplomatic efforts, tensions remain high. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned of military operations against Iran if negotiations fail. In response, Tehran has stated it would strike Israeli territory and US military bases in the Middle East.
On 23/2, Mr. Trump dismissed reports that "Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine opposed launching an attack on Iran," simultaneously declaring that Washington could easily defeat Tehran in any conflict. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt affirmed Mr. Trump always chooses diplomatic solutions but is ready to use force if necessary. She emphasized that President Trump will decide what actions to take regarding Iran and stated that there is much "untrue" information on this issue.
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Location of Iran and Israel. *Graphic: BBC*
The F-22 is the US's most modern stealth fighter. Each aircraft costs nearly 180 million USD at the factory, not including armament. The US Air Force currently operates a total of 183 F-22 fighter jets, but only 125 are combat-capable. A 2023 US Air Force combat readiness report indicated that 52% of aircraft were ready for missions at any given time.
Nguyen Tien (According to Times of Israel, Ynet, AFP)
