USAF bolsters Israel’s air defences against Iranian threat
August 9, 2024
The United States is bolstering its military presence in the Middle East in the face of escalating tensions with Iran and its allies and proxies. This follows the apparent assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on 31 July, and the killing of Hezbollah official Fuad Shukr in what Israel called an “intelligence-based elimination” on 30 July. Iran has vowed revenge for the killings. Fearing a major attack on its ally, Israel, the US has responded by deploying additional fighter squadrons to the region. These include 12 Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptors. The US has also sent US Navy guided-missile cruisers and destroyers. It may also bolster its land-based surface-to-air missile capabilities in the region.
The Pentagon issued a statement explaining that: “The Secretary of Defense has reiterated that the United States will protect our personnel and interests in the region, including our ironclad commitment to the defence of Israel.”
The US Air Force deployed 12 F-22 Raptors from the 3rd Wing at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, to the US Central Command area of responsibility. There they will together provide increased “defensive air support capability.” This is intended to deter an attack, or to intercept any missiles fired towards Israel. It will also “ensure the United States is prepared to respond to various contingencies.” The aircraft staged through RAF Lakenheath on 6 July, and they arrived at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar from 8 August.
The F-22 made its combat debut in September 2014 during Operation Inherent Resolve, attacking Islamic State targets using 1,000-lb JDAM GPS-guided bombs. The F-22s went on to fy 204 sorties over Syria, dropping 270 bombs. The F-22 went on to score an air-to-air kill in February 2023, downing what was believed to be a Chinese Spy balloon off the coast of South Carolina. Many of the deployed Raptor pilots may be hoping that the world’s premier air superiority fighter will finally get a chance to strut its stuff.
