Latest news with #F-22s
Miami Herald
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Satellite Images Show US Military Preparations for Possible Iran War
Satellite imagery reveals a major buildup of U.S. tanker aircraft and heavy transport planes in European bases as President Donald Trump is expected to make a decision on striking Iran. Newsweek has reached out to Pentagon for comment. The ongoing military reinforcement signals the readiness of U.S. forces for potential conflict with Iran. Trump is expected to decide on whether or not to have the United States join Israel's war with Iran "within the next two weeks," according to the White House. The highly visible deployment of strategic assets across continents-in addition to the recent arrival of the "Doomsday Plane" at Joint Base Andrews-may also be intended to send a strong message to Tehran and to increase psychological pressure amid escalating tensions. A surge in U.S. Air Force activity appeared in satellite images spotted by open-intelligence analysts on X, at the Ramstein Air Base in Germany, the Aviano Air Base in Italy and Chania Air Base in Greece. Iran has warned against any attack and accused the United States of complicity in Israel's attacks. Some politicians have also raised the possibility of shutting down the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea and key to oil shipments to Asia, in response. Tanker aircraft appear to be parked at key locations so they can continuously refuel fighter jets coming from Europe, like F-22s based at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom, the largest U.S. Air Base in Europe. They can also refuel bombers flying from the U.S. mainland, enabling them to fly nonstop round trips to the target area and back. This nonstop flight is called a CONUS-to-CONUS mission-CONUS means the continental United States. The last time the U.S. Air Force publicly practiced such a long nonstop CONUS-to-CONUS operation was in February, flying over North Africa for about 30 hours. This setup means if President Trump orders an airstrike, U.S. jets could reach the target without stopping for fuel on the ground. Additionally, some bombers and tankers are already positioned at Diego Garcia, a strategic U.S. base in the Indian Ocean, ready for quick deployment. Recent satellite imagery showed U.S. aircraft have vacated a key air base in Qatar, in another sign that a confrontation with Iran could be imminent. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt: "I have a message directly from the president and I quote: Based on the fact that there is a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision, whether or not to go within the next two weeks." Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Iranian media: "In these attacks that have been carried out against Iran, there are multiple signs indicating cooperation between U.S. forces present in the region and the Zionist regime." European nations may pursue limited diplomacy with Iran, but broader talks are not likely to resume amid ongoing Israeli strikes and rising tensions. That could increase the chances of deeper U.S. involvement. Related Articles Israel Targets Iran's Remaining Nuclear Scientists in Targeted Strikes – Reports: Live UpdatesUS Grows Defense Partnership Next Door to ChinaIran Rules Out US Talks Unless Israel Halts StrikesHow to Watch Saudi Arabia vs United States: Live Stream CONCACAF Gold Cup, TV Channel 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Satellite Images Show US Military Preparations for Possible Iran War
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. Satellite imagery reveals a major buildup of U.S. tanker aircraft and heavy transport planes in European bases as President Donald Trump is expected to make a decision on striking Iran. Newsweek has reached out to Pentagon for comment. Why It Matters The ongoing military reinforcement signals the readiness of U.S. forces for potential conflict with Iran. Trump is expected to decide on whether or not to have the United States join Israel's war with Iran "within the next two weeks," according to the White House. The highly visible deployment of strategic assets across continents—in addition to the recent arrival of the "Doomsday Plane" at Joint Base Andrews—may also be intended to send a strong message to Tehran and to increase psychological pressure amid escalating tensions. Drag slider compare photos What To Know A surge in U.S. Air Force activity appeared in satellite images spotted by open-intelligence analysts on X, at the Ramstein Air Base in Germany, the Aviano Air Base in Italy and Chania Air Base in Greece. Drag slider compare photos Iran has warned against any attack and accused the United States of complicity in Israel's attacks. Some politicians have also raised the possibility of shutting down the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea and key to oil shipments to Asia, in response. Tanker aircraft appear to be parked at key locations so they can continuously refuel fighter jets coming from Europe, like F-22s based at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom, the largest U.S. Air Base in Europe. They can also refuel bombers flying from the U.S. mainland, enabling them to fly nonstop round trips to the target area and back. This nonstop flight is called a CONUS-to-CONUS mission—CONUS means the continental United States. The last time the U.S. Air Force publicly practiced such a long nonstop CONUS-to-CONUS operation was in February, flying over North Africa for about 30 hours. Drag slider compare photos This setup means if President Trump orders an airstrike, U.S. jets could reach the target without stopping for fuel on the ground. Additionally, some bombers and tankers are already positioned at Diego Garcia, a strategic U.S. base in the Indian Ocean, ready for quick deployment. Recent satellite imagery showed U.S. aircraft have vacated a key air base in Qatar, in another sign that a confrontation with Iran could be imminent. What People Are Saying White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt: "I have a message directly from the president and I quote: Based on the fact that there is a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision, whether or not to go within the next two weeks." Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Iranian media: "In these attacks that have been carried out against Iran, there are multiple signs indicating cooperation between U.S. forces present in the region and the Zionist regime." What Happens Next European nations may pursue limited diplomacy with Iran, but broader talks are not likely to resume amid ongoing Israeli strikes and rising tensions. That could increase the chances of deeper U.S. involvement.
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Full List of U.S. Military Deployments That Point to War With Iran
Scrutiny is mounting over a potential U.S. role in the Israel-Iran conflict. After denying involvement in Israel's first strikes on strategic sites across Iran, the U.S. has adopted a tougher tone towards Tehran and has bolstered military deployment in the Middle East. Commenting on the deployments, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said they aimed to enhancing the United States defensive postures in the region. Below is a full list that Newsweek has been able to assemble of U.S. naval and aerial military assets in or heading to the region, according to officials, multiple open-intelligence analysts, tracking data, media and defense outlets. The U.S. military is increasing its air power in the Middle East with the deployment of more F-16s, F-22s and F-35 fighter jets and extending current warplane missions, three U.S. officials told Reuters. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a highly adaptable fighter aircraft used extensively by the United States and its allies. The F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II represent a newer generation of stealth combat aircraft developed for complex operational needs. U.S. aerial refueling aircraft are on their way to the Middle East as the war between Israel and Iran escalates, according to flight data tracking sources. These would be needed for any sustained operations over Iran. This includes KC-135R Stratotankers, the U.S. Air Force's primary aerial refueling aircraft. It also includes KC-46A Pegasus tankers, the next-generation aerial refueling tanker. U.S. officials said the tankers may join a NATO exercise in Europe. The State Department told diplomats to assure hosts the tankers are not backing Israeli air operations in Iran. The United States has been building up its bomber force at the Indian Ocean island base of Diego Garcia. These could be used in any strikes on Iran's nuclear sites with bunker buster munitions that Israel does not possess. Satellite images analysed by Newsweek have shown increasing deployments in recent weeks. B-2 Spirit stealth bombers can carry both conventional and nuclear weapons, including bunker-busting bombs designed to target deep underground facilities. B-52H Stratofortress Bombers, known for their long-range strike capabilities. U.S. Navy vessels have departed the key Manama port in Bahrain, according to satellite imagery, currently underway in the U.S. Central Command area of operations. Vessels in the region include littoral combat ships, fast, agile, and networked surface vessels designed for operations close to shore and mine countermeasure vessels, to neutralize mines using advanced sonar systems. There is also the M/V Ocean Trader, a special operations mothership supporting U.S. forces. Aircraft carrier strike groups provide mobile firepower when required in their own right and support of other operational units. One carrier group is currently in the Middle East and another is on the way. The USS Carl Vinson carrier strike group has recently been operating in the Arabian Sea with an air wing consisting of F-35C Lightning IIs, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes, CMV-22 Ospreys and MH-60R/S Sea Hawks. It took part in weeks of air strikes against the Yemeni-based Houthis, an Iranian-backed militia, before a ceasefire was reached early last month. The USS Nimitzcarrier group is now in transit from the Western Pacific toward the Middle East and was recently in Southeast Asia. Its airwing includes F/A-18C/E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, E-2D Hawkeyes, C-2A Greyhounds and MH-60R/S Sea Hawks. Patriot missile defense units were moved in April by the U.S. military from the Pacific region to the Middle East. The full battalion of air‑defense gear-flew in 73 C‑17 cargo plane trips. The Patriot system is widely regarded as a leading ground-based air defense platform, known for its ability to intercept advanced threats, including certain types of hypersonic missiles. "Doomsday Plane" The U.S. Air Force "Doomsday Plane," a wartime command and control aircraft for the president, flew over the United States on Tuesday and remained trackable throughout, per Flightradar24 data. The move signals a show of force rather than direct operation in the Middle East. The E-4B "Nightwatch," a militarized Boeing 747, serves as the National Airborne Operations Center and key command link for the President, Defense Secretary, and Joint Chiefs. In a national emergency or loss of ground command, it ensures survivable control to direct forces, execute war orders, and coordinate civil response. It was used during the September 11, 2001 attacks. Related Articles Photos Show Where US and China Have Sent Hospital ShipsHamas Sends Warning to U.S. Over Iran AttackNo Kings Protests or Trump's Army Parade-Which Won the Weekend? Newsweek Contributors DebateUS Embassy in Jerusalem Closed as Donald Trump Weighs Attacks on Iran 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
US Sending F-16, F-22, F-35 Jets to Middle East Amid Iran-Israel Conflict
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 U.S. military is increasing its air power in the Middle East by deploying additional fighter jets and extending current warplane missions as the conflict between Israel and Iran intensifies, three U.S. officials told Reuters. One official confirmed the move includes the deployment of advanced aircraft such as F-16s, F-22s and F-35s, aimed at reinforcing American military presence and deterrence in the volatile region. Two of the officials emphasized that the deployment is defensive in nature, noting the fighter jets have been used primarily to intercept and destroy drones and incoming projectiles. On Tuesday afternoon, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, "We now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran. Iran had good sky trackers and other defensive equipment, and plenty of it, but it doesn't compare to American made, conceived, and manufactured "stuff." Nobody does it better than the good ol' USA." This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
F-22s Fly Alongside MiGs To Commemorate Founder Of America's Secret Soviet Fighter Squadron
Newly released footage records the unique formation flight over Nevada's Nellis Air Force Base last November, which brought together U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor stealth fighters and Soviet-era MiG-21 and MiG-29 jets. The four-ship took to the skies to mark the passing of Col. Gail Peck (ret.), the former commander of the legendary 4477th Test and Evaluation Squadron 'Red Eagles' that conducted highly classified missions using Soviet combat jets in the late 1970s and 1980s. If you need a I do..I just found out we can share this from last year. A memorial flyover for Col. 'Evil' Peck, first commander of the secretive Red Eagles. Mig-21 leading, I was flying the Mig-29 along w/F-22s. You will never see a formation like this again. — Jared Isaacman (@rookisaacman) June 8, 2025 The video in question was shared on the social media platform X by Jared Isaacman, the former CEO of the red air provider Draken International, a tech billionaire, astronaut, and, until very recently, the White House's nominee to be the next administrator of NASA. For the formation flight, Isaacman was at the controls of his MiG-29UB Fulcrum-B personal jet that once belonged to Paul Allen, and which served as the photo ship for the air-to-air sequence seen above. The memorial flyover on November 7, 2024, involved a pair of F-22s, one with the 'OT' tail code of the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron and one with the 'WA' code of the 433rd Weapons Squadron, both resident at Nellis. Nellis is home to some of the Air Force's premier test and evaluation and research and development units, including the 53rd Test and Evaluation Group and the 57th Wing, to which these squadrons respectively belong. As well as Isaacman's two-seat MiG-29UB, the formation included another privately owned MiG. This was the two-seat MiG-21UM Mongol-B with the registration N317DM, a former Polish Air Force example that was once owned by another red air contractor, Air USA. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ben (@benm1013photo) The special formation recognized the exceptional contribution made to the Air Force by Peck, who passed away last October 10. In 1962, Peck graduated from the Air Force Academy at the top of his class and then served as an instructor pilot on the T-33 and T-38. He also flew 163 combat missions in Vietnam as an F-4D Phantom pilot. Starting in 1975, Peck embarked on his (then) highly classified career under the Constant Peg program, in which he had a highly influential role. This program provided training for Air Force, Navy, and Marine fighter aircrews, putting them up against actual Soviet jets as part of a secretive advanced joint program. Prior to Constant Peg, the Air Force was conducting more limited aggressor training with Soviet-origin fighters, including Have Drill, which pitted American aviators against an ex-Syrian MiG-17 captured in Israel, and Have Doughnut, involving a former Iraqi Air Force MiG-21 that the Israelis had acquired from a defecting pilot, an episode you can read more about here. Peck, however, thought there was room for improvement. 'I was in General [Hoyt S.] Vandenberg's office [at the Pentagon] one day trying to get him to sign one of these test plans, and he says 'You know, I hate this,'' Peck recounted. 'You guys have to go through the pain of writing a test plan. We oughtta just be training with these airplanes.' Meanwhile, as part of his cover for this task, Peck managed exercise Red Flag and other air combat exercises out of Nellis. Under Constant Peg (the 'Peg' in the project name was Peck's wife), the 4477th Test and Evaluation Flight, the 'Red Eagles,' was stood up at Nellis in 1977. Two years later, the unit moved to the enigmatic Tonopah Test Range Airport, north of Nellis, with Peck now installed as commander. 'The whole idea of building an airfield was an overwhelming challenge,' Peck later recalled. 'I got to thinking about it, and so I pulled out a ballpoint pen and a napkin off the airliner, and I sketched out a little drawing of extending the runway and putting a pad there for three hangars and stuff like that. And I'd convinced myself that Tonopah was the right place for this project.' According to an official Air Force biography, 'Constant Peg resulted in the enhancement of an airfield at the Tonopah Test Range and the initiation of jet fighter operations from that airfield with the 4477th Test and Evaluation Flight flying both MiG-17s and MiG-21s. The purpose of Constant Peg was to train Air Force and Navy fighter pilots to a degree of proficiency never before achieved.' Peck, as callsign 'Bandit 1,' instructed on the MiG-17, and later the MiG-21 and F-5E, with the 'Red Eagles' meanwhile transforming from a flight to a squadron. Peck features heavily in this documentary, titled Red Eagles — Constant Peg, 1977–1988, which first appeared on social media accounts linked to Nellis Air Force Base in 2019: After moving on from the 4477th, Peck served as an operational F-15 pilot and commander at Kadena Air Base in Japan and flew RF-4C reconnaissance jets at Zweibruecken Air Base in West Germany. After retiring from active-duty service in 1988, he was an academic instructor for F-15 and F-22 pilots at the Weapons School at Nellis. All in all, Peck's career was a remarkable one and was hugely influential in terms of Foreign Materiel Exploitation, or FME, a service that the latest incarnation of the Red Eagles continues to provide. With that in mind, while we may never again see a formation of F-22s and MiGs in public over Nellis, covert flights using actual foreign airframes continue to this day. Contact the author: thomas@
