F-15E Strike Eagles shift from RAF Lakenheath to Jordan as aircraft carrier approaches
January 19, 2026
US F-15E Strike Eagles appear to be redeploying to the Middle East as the USS Abraham Lincoln transits the Straits of Malacca. The moves come as the US once again seeks to bolster its posture in the region amid dramatic developments in Iran.
US F-15E Eagles redeploy from UK to Middle East
On 16th of January, The War Zone founder, Tyler Rogoway, posted,
“There are not enough assets in the Middle East to execute a sustained campaign that will accomplish anything of huge consequence in Iran.”
He explained that the US would need to build up resources, and this would take time.
According to open-source reporting, tracking the movements of mostly US military aircraft, the buildup of air assets in the Middle East for a possible strike on Iran has begun.
So far, the two most notable developments have been the redeployment of US Air Force F-15E fighter jets from their base at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom and the redeployment of an aircraft carrier. OSINT account, Armchair Admiral, stated the F-15Es were likely redeployed to Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan.
Speaking of the redeployment of the first 12 F-15Es, Armchair Admiral said, “This is what looks to be the first major movement of the U.S. build-up in the Middle East. I expect we’ll see more modern aircraft deployed soon. My own prediction was Lakenheath F-35s, but it’s not too late for that.”
#USAF United States Air Force – Middle East Activity (CORONET)
— Armchair Admiral 🇬🇧 (@ArmchairAdml) January 18, 2026
18 January 2026
Lots of movement this morning. Aircraft of the 48th Fighter Wing and 100th Air Refuelling Wing have deployed this morning on a CORONET East tasking to the Middle East.
RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom… pic.twitter.com/PtET15b17K
By the evening, respected OSINT account, Evergreen Intel, reported the number of F-15Es redeployed from Lakenheath had grown to 18. Six more had arrived at Lakenheath and were expected to carry on today, bringing the total to 24.
US aircraft carrier is still days from Iran
The USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, stationed in the South China Sea, was given the order to sail to the Middle East. Yesterday, the carrier strike group was transiting the Straits of Malacca.
Open source accounts estimated the carrier is around five days from being within range of Iran. As of the time of publication, it would be closer to four days. Note that this is just when it will be in theatre, and simply reflects the earliest that it could spring into action and nothing more.
Seperately there is some questionable reporting that the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier has departed its base at Norfolk and set course for the Mediterranean.
This appears to be false reporting, as it is believed the carrier is working up with Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) for its next deployment and is not due to depart on a new mission yet.
Get the latest aerospace defence news here on AGN.
More US build-up and time needed ahead of any strike on Iran
It should be stressed that there is no confirmation that any decision has been made to conduct operations against Iran or that the build-up will continue.
UPDATE: 20260118-1800Z
— DefenceGeek 🇬🇧 (@DefenceGeek) January 18, 2026
Per @Osinttechnical 1 F-15E diverted today, but means there's now 35 F-15Es in Jordan. Couple of tanker and C-17 flights supporting that movement but thus far nothing further of note for now.
cc: @ArmchairAdml @BrianE6B @vcdgf555 @MATA_osint pic.twitter.com/xRz885FGd6
Last week, AGN reported that the US was evacuating its Al Udeid Air Base. While this was true, the order was reversed almost immediately, and the personnel were permitted to return, underscoring how unpredictable and volatile the situation is.
Before any major combat operations, it can be expected that other strategic US assets would be moved into the theatre, but as of the time of writing, little more than the F-15E and carrier appear to be moving to the region.
🇺🇸 #USAF E-3G Sentry fleet (15); last reported locations 2026-01-17 UTC.
— Steffan Watkins (@steffanwatkins) January 18, 2026
➢ 8 at Tinker AFB 🇺🇸
➢ 2 in Alaska/Arctic 🇺🇸
➢ 2 at Kadena Air Base 🇯🇵
➢ 1 in Hawaii 🇺🇸
➢ 2 at MacDill AFB 🇺🇸 (for Op Southern Spear 🇻🇪)
None have visibly deployed to the Middle East for Iran 🇮🇷 ops. https://t.co/wrGtdGBTMp pic.twitter.com/9tWSzBBTuV
According to the OSNINT account, Steffan Wakins, as of yesterday, none of the US E-3G Sentry fleet of AWACS aircraft has yet redeployed. This all suggests that no major US-led operation is imminent, but that the buildup for a potential operation has begun.
Featured Image: DVIDS
