US Places 25 F-35 Fighter Jets in the Middle East

A senior United States official announced the Pentagon's decision to deploy 20-25 F-15 and F-35 fighter jets in the Middle East (West Asia) to strengthen deterrence against Iran. Quoted by CNN television station, Sunday (8/10/2023) the US military official, who was not identified, said that this step included sending F-35 and F-15 fighter jets, two fighter jets that are considered the strongest in air-to-air attacks, and air to the surface. According to the US military official, the purpose of deploying additional fighter jets to West Asia is to prevent Iranian aggression, or the expansion of fighting beyond Israel. US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, previously announced the possibility of efforts to strengthen this country's Air Force squadron in the Middle East, within the framework of CENTCOM. 

Austin explained that apart from deploying F-15 and F-35 fighter jets, the United States would also deploy a number of F-16 and A-10 fighter aircraft to West Asia. Previously, the United States also sent the aircraft carrier USS Gerald F. Ford to the Mediterranean Sea with the aim of approaching Israel, in response to Hamas attacks. "In order to strengthen our joint force posture, in addition to providing material support to Israel, the US will also focus on support for the Israeli Armed Forces, and its people," concluded Austin. 

The Washington Post