Latest news with #F-16
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
U.S. Air Force Fighters Deploy To Reinforce Middle East
As the conflict between Israel and Iran continues, the U.S. Air Force is now in the process of deploying fighters to bases within the Middle East. The fighter movements follow the arrival in Europe of more than two-dozen U.S. Air Force KC-135R and KC-46A tankers that flew across from the United States in recent days, as you can read about here. Three unnamed U.S. officials confirmed to Reuters that the United States was deploying more fighters to the Middle East and extending the deployment of other warplanes already in the region. One of the officials said the deployments include F-16, F-22, and F-35 aircraft. The U.S. military is deploying more fighter aircraft to the Middle East and extending the deployment of other warplanes. Story coming. w/@idreesali114 U.S. officials stress the defensive nature of the deployment. — Phil Stewart (@phildstewart) June 17, 2025 In the latest move, the U.S. military is moving fighter jets to the Middle East and extending the deployment of warplanes to bolster defenses amid the Israel-Iran conflict, officials say. W/@phildstewart — Idrees Ali (@idreesali114) June 17, 2025 Today, flight-tracking software revealed at least 17 U.S. Air Force tankers heading south from bases in Europe, indicating that they are 'dragging' fighters to the Middle East. This was backed up by eyewitness sightings as well as air traffic control communications. As it stands today, at least 31 tankers have been noted heading across the Atlantic, based on publicly available flight-tracking data. Now 17 tankers moving east over Europe. — Evergreen Intel (@vcdgf555) June 17, 2025 Previously, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth wrote on X that he 'directed the deployment of additional capabilities to the United States Central Command Area of Responsibility.' 'Protecting U.S. forces is our top priority, and these deployments are intended to enhance our defensive posture in the region,' Hegseth added. — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) June 16, 2025 Since Hegseth's comments yesterday, additional tankers have been noted on flight-tracking software leaving bases in the United States. These aircraft have been flying with 'GOLD' callsigns, typically used for Coronet flights that deploy fighters across the Atlantic or Pacific. There are indications that F-22s may be coming to the Middle East from Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, while F-35s are likely drawn from either the Vermont Air National Guard — as suggested by tanker tacks in the vicinity — and/or RAF Lakenheath in England. Five additional tankers lifting and heading for the east routes. — Evergreen Intel (@vcdgf555) June 17, 2025 Instagram user provided TWZ with photographs that show F-35s from Lakenheath heading south over the United Kingdom today, toward the Middle East. The stealth fighters were split into three flights of four, each supported by a KC-135 tanker, reportedly flying from RAF Mildenhall in England and Morón Air Base in Spain. As for the F-16s mentioned by one U.S. official, these may well involve the jets at Aviano Air Base in Italy. Reports of movements of some of these F-16s emerged today, based on sightings and air traffic control communications. When U.S. Air Force tankers began their migration across the Atlantic, we noted that one of the possible reasons was to prepare for the influx of additional major assets into the region, and especially fighters. At this point, this is very likely being done for contingency needs and to give the president multiple options, as we outlined in our previous feature on the tanker movements. Any involvement in the kinetic conflict remains pre-decisional, at least publicly. However, having all these assets in the region would allow the United States to respond in force if Iran attacks U.S. interests or if the administration decides to get involved directly. At the same time, the Air Force can use these fighters for shooting down drones and cruise missiles, something they have been doing in this theater for months now. In particular, the F-16s reportedly now being deployed to the Middle East have already been using APKWS IIs to down drones launched by Iranian-backed Houthi militants in Yemen since last year, which we were the first to report. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles played key roles in defending Israel from incoming missile and drone attacks last year. F-15Es recently saw their counter-drone capabilities, in particular, significantly expand through the addition of laser-guided Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) rockets to their available arsenal. Air Force F-16s in the Middle East had already been using APKWS IIs to down drones launched by Iranian-backed Houthi militants in Yemen since last year, which we were first to report. The movement of such large numbers of tankers could also indicate support for global airpower bomber missions from the United States to Iran and back, although there has been no sign of Air Force Global Strike Command involvement so far. As of today, Planet Labs satellite imagery reviewed by TWZ revealed that four B-52s and six F-15Es, plus other aircraft, were still at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. There has been speculation that the U.S. Air Force could use B-2 stealth bombers to assist Israel in its attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities. In particular, the deep-lying nuclear enrichment site at Fordow could require Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bunker-buster bombs, designed to penetrate just this type of target, and only carried by the B-2. This is a scenario that we have repeatedly highlighted and discussed for many years. As well as the apparent deployment of U.S. Air Force fighters to the Middle East, a second aircraft carrier strike group, led by the USS Nimitz, was sent from East Asia toward the Middle East earlier this week, as you can read about in this previous article. It will join the carrier USS Carl Vinson, which is already operating relatively close to Iran, around the Arabian Sea. Already, U.S. Navy warships in the region are understood to have been helping shoot down Iranian ballistic missiles headed toward Israel. This is in addition to the U.S. Army Patriot surface-to-air missile systems and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) ballistic missile defense systems that have been helping defend Israel, too. This is a fast-developing story, and we will bring more updates when we have information about these highly unusual aircraft movements. Contact the author: thomas@
India Today
7 hours ago
- Politics
- India Today
Israel-Iran fray: How much military does Uncle Sam have in West Asia?
United States President Donald Trump's see-saw statements on Iran have now swung more towards military force in West Asia. A month ago, he claimed at a conference in Qatar that the US and Iran were in serious negotiations to resolve their nuclear dispute for long-term on June 17, he posted the words 'unconditional surrender' in all caps on his TruthSocial account. And now, he's dithering over whether the US will get involved directly in the Iran-Israel conflict. Nevertheless, US actions seem to be more decisive now as it's been moving some of its military might closer towards Iran since Israel's first attack on Iran on June US has deployed fighter aircraft, including the F-16, F-22, and F-35, as well as 30 refuelling aircraft, mainly KC-135R Stratotankers and KC-46A Pegasus tankers, in several locations across Europe and West Asia. It already has the USS Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group warships stationed close to Oman. And now, the USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is reportedly sailing from East Asia towards the West. Both can hold about 7,500 personnel and 75 aircraft, including fighter jets. The US military has a sizeable presence in West Asia, going back more than five decades. Currently, it has more than 40,000 troops deployed at 19 sites. Usually, there are about 30,000 troops in the region, though the number surged to 43,000 in October 2023 after the Hamas attack in Israel and the continuous attacks by Houthis on ships in the Red largest concentrations of US forces are located in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. Here's a look at the most prominent ones:Al Udeid Air Base (Qatar): At 60 acres and with almost 10,000 troops, it is the largest US military installation in West Asia. It functions as the forward headquarters for US Central Command, also known as CENTCOM, and can house nearly 100 aircraftNaval Support Activity, Bahrain: Located in Manama, it is the headquarters of the US Navy's Fifth Fleet. It hosts approximately 9,000 personnelCamp Arifjan (Kuwait): Established in 1999, it hosts a sizeable proportion of the 13,500 American forces stationed in KuwaitAl Dhafra Air Base (United Arab Emirates): This strategic air base hosts 5,000 US military personnel and advanced aircraft, such as F-22 Raptor stealth fightersPrince Sultan Air Base (Saudi Arabia): More than 2,700 American forces are stationed here. Recent deployments to this facility have included F-16 fighter jets relocated from ItalyMuwaffaq Salti Air Base (Jordan): This base hosts approximately 3,000 American troops and is reported to have several MQ-9 Reaper drones, crucial for intelligence and strike missionsTrump, in his most recent statement today, said that he will allow two weeks for further negotiations before deciding on striking Iran. Americans are hoping that in the meantime, Iran will relent and agree to terms it had rejected earlier, including abandoning its enrichment of on Thursday also warned the US not to take military action against Iran. Moscow is one of Tehran's most important allies. "We would like to particularly warn Washington against military intervention in the situation," Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said. Though Trump has reportedly rejected Russia's offer to broker the sidelines, foreign ministers from France and Germany, and the European Union's high representative, Kaja Kallas, are meeting Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Geneva today to find a diplomatic solution for Tehran's nuclear InMust Watch
News18
18 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
Memes Go Viral As Netizens Mix Anxiety With Humour Over Trump's Possible Attack On Iran
Last Updated: Tensions rise as Trump hints at attacking Tehran, sparking World War III memes. Trump demands Iran's "unconditional surrender" amid escalating Israel-Iran airstrikes. As tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East with United States President Donald Trump hinting at possible attack on Tehran, social media is flooded with memes about the possibility of World War III. Most of the hilarious memes had United States President Trump at the focal point and the way he governs. A post on social media platform X that has gone viral, read, 'My first world war. Kinda nervous." While sharing pic of Trump, another user wrote, 'When you promise to end two wars and now there are three." fomo ka maara hai ye — SwatKat💃 (@swatic12) June 17, 2025 Another wrote jokingly that Trump has 'FOMO' (fear of missing out) when it comes to conflict. Reacting to the post, a user replied in Hindi, 'Bua jaisa beech mein aajata." Trump's Warning To Iran The latest wave of memes flooded the social media after Trump issued strong warnings to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, demanding 'unconditional surrender" from him. In a post, Trump wrote that the US knows exactly where the 'so-called" Supreme Leader was hiding. 'We are not going to take him out — at least not for now… Our patience is wearing thin," Trump further wrote. In another tweet, Trump asked for 'unconditional surrender" from Iran, claiming the US has 'complete and total control of the skies over Iran". According to reports, Trump's rhetoric follows an escalation of unrest in the Middle East with Israel and Iran exchanging air strikes. The reports claim that US is strengthening its military presence in the area. Reports mentioned that F-16, F-22, and F-35 fighter jets are now in the Middle East, along with Navy warships that can intercept missiles. Further, the US has about 40,000 troops stationed there in a show of strength and to possibly push back Tehran. Iran-Israel Conflict Escalates Notably, this time Israel launched its largest airstrike campaign on Iran in decades with Tehran responding with multiple missile attacks on Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities, resulting in huge damage and loss of lives. At least 25 civilians lost their lives in Israel due to violent engagement between Tehran and Tel Aviv for seventh straight day on Thursday as both the sides exchanged strikes. On Thursday, Israel also targetted an area near the heavy water facility of Iran's Khondab nuclear facility. In response, Tehran directly hit southern Israel's biggest hospital 'Soroka Medical Center' in a missile attack. With the recent development, uncertainty looms over the prospect of peace in the Middle East region amid conflict. First Published: June 20, 2025, 07:39 IST
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Israel-Iran conflict: World War III memes go viral as Trump mulls intervention
As tensions rise between Israel and Iran, fears of a wider conflict are growing. Amid this, social media has been flooded with dark humor and memes about the possibility of World War III. Most of these focus on a possible US intervention in the Israel-Iran conflict. One viral tweet on X (formerly Twitter) read, 'My first world war. Kinda nervous.' A user shared a picture of Donald Trump with the caption, 'When you promise to end two wars and now there are three.' Another joked that Trump has 'FOMO' (fear of missing out) when it comes to conflict. The wave of online memes came after US President Donald Trump issued sharp warnings to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Trump, in a post, wrote that the US knows exactly where the 'so-called' Supreme Leader was hiding. 'We are not going to take him out — at least not for now… Our patience is wearing thin,' Trump wrote. In another all-caps tweet, Trump demanded 'unconditional surrender' from Iran and claimed that the US has 'complete and total control of the skies over Iran'. Also read: White House reveals when Donald Trump will decide on US response to Israel-Iran war Trump's rhetoric, according to the reports, followed a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Middle East with Israel launching its largest airstrike campaign on Iran in decades. Iran responded with multiple missile attacks on Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities. The US military is increasing its presence in the area. Newsweek stated that F-16, F-22, and F-35 fighter jets are now in the Middle East, along with Navy warships that can intercept missiles. The US has about 40,000 troops stationed there. People are using humor and memes to deal with anxiety over the escalating Israel-Iran conflict, fearing it could trigger a global war. Donald Trump demanded 'unconditional surrender' from Iran and warned of US military capabilities in the region. The US President said he was aware where the Iranian leader was 'hiding' but added that Khamenei was 'safe' for now.
Newsweek
a day ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
US Stages Air Combat Drills With Allies Amid North Korea Threat
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The United States and its two treaty allies in Northeast Asia—Japan and South Korea—conducted a war game on Wednesday amid North Korea's threats. North Korea has previously denounced the U.S.-led alliance for rehearsing war through joint drills, accusing it of practicing "preemptive attacks" on its nuclear weapons facilities. Newsweek has reached out to the North Korean Embassy in China for comment by email. Why It Matters The U.S. and its allies—both of which host American forces—have conducted military exercises around the Korean Peninsula, including an aerial drill involving conventionally armed bombers in January and a naval war game featuring an aircraft carrier in March. Nuclear-armed North Korea has threatened to use force against Japan and South Korea. The latest trilateral drill follows a statement by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), revealing that Pyongyang has begun work on a new facility at its main nuclear complex. What To Know The U.S. Air Force and its Japanese and South Korean counterparts took part in "defensive counter-air training" on Wednesday, according to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. The exercise aimed to refine the combined tactics, techniques, and procedures of the allied air forces. The drill took place over waters off South Korea's southern Jeju Island and featured a total of eight fighter jets: four U.S. F-16s, two Japanese F-2s, and two South Korean F-15Ks. This training also marks the second trilateral flight this year, the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command added, continuing what it called "long-standing defense cooperation" among the allies and providing their ability to respond immediately to unspecified regional security challenges. "These trilateral exercises reinforce our strong and continually developing relationship, building our collective capability," stated the Hawaii-based U.S. combatant command. In South Korea, Yonhap News Agency reported that this was the first trilateral air exercise conducted since Lee Jae Myung was sworn in as the country's president earlier this month. The South Korean air force vowed to continue conducting trilateral war games to enhance cooperation among the three allied nations in deterring North Korea, according to the report. Regarding the exercise, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force stated that it enhanced the air force's tactical skills and strengthened cooperation among the three air forces. A United States Air Force F-16 fighter jet takes off for a trilateral defensive counter-air training at Osan Air Base in South Korea on June 18, 2025. A United States Air Force F-16 fighter jet takes off for a trilateral defensive counter-air training at Osan Air Base in South Korea on June 18, 2025. Senior Airman Rome Bowermaster/U.S. Air Force While this trilateral aerial war game did not feature advanced F-35 fighter jets, all three countries operate this type of stealth combat aircraft across the platform's three variants. What People Are Saying The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said in a statement on Wednesday: "Our increasing shared experience fosters trust, strengthens cooperation, and reinforces the collective commitment to maintaining security and stability in the Indo-Pacific." The South Korean Air Force said in a statement on Wednesday: "The drills were conducted to bolster South Korea-U.S.-Japan security cooperation to deter North Korea's advancing nuclear and missile threats and maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the region." The Japan Air Self-Defense Force said in a press release on Wednesday: "The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) conducted a trilateral training exercise with the U.S. Air Force (USAF) and the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) to strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of Japan-U.S. Alliance, and to further enhance trilateral security cooperation among Japan, the U.S., and the Republic of Korea." The Republic of Korea is the official name of South Korea. What Happens Next The U.S. and its Northeast Asian allies are likely to conduct further joint military exercises as North Korea continues to advance its military power, both nuclear and conventional.
