The U.S. Air Force Deploys 18 F-35 Fighter Jets to the Middle East
On February 16 local time, CCTV reporters learned that 18 F-35A "Lightning II" fighter jets stationed at the Royal Air Force Lakenheath base in the UK, supported by a fleet of tankers, set off for the Middle East. The aircraft flew in formations of three, marking one of the largest single deployments of F-35s in recent months.
This deployment scale directly reflects the military deployment strategy adopted by the United States due to the current tensions with Iran. (CCTV reporter Liu Xu)
On February 16, 18 F-35A Lightning II fighter jets from the U.S. Air Force departed from Lakenheath Air Base in the United Kingdom to the Middle East, supported by tanker aircraft. This deployment is one of the largest single movements of F-35s in recent months and is a direct response to escalating tensions with Iran.
- 18 F-35A fighter jets deployed from Lakenheath Air Base to the Middle East.
- Deployment supported by tanker aircraft.
- This is one of the largest single deployments of F-35s in recent months.
- The deployment reflects U.S. military strategy due to tensions with Iran.