F-15Es arrived in the Middle East on Oct. 13, as the U.S. continued to bolster its forces in the region, the U.S. Air Force announced.
The planes, which deployed from RAF Lakenheath, U.K., are part of a broader package of forces that have been deployed after Hamas’ attack on Israel, including an increased number of A-10 Thunderbolt II close air support aircraft and F-16 Fighting Falcon multirole fighters.
“The aircraft’s advanced systems and targeting capabilities enable U.S. forces to respond to any crisis or contingency, and if necessary, engage and defeat adversaries,” Air Forces Central (AFCENT) said in a statement announcing the arrival of the F-15Es.
The Pentagon did not say where the F-15Es would be based. Their arrival comes one day after the Pentagon announced A-10 Warthogs from the 354th Fighter Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., had arrived in the region, in addition to the Warthogs from the 75th Fighter Squadron already in the region.
U.S. officials have said that U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters are among the additional capabilities that could be sent
“The U.S. military is committed to the enduring safety and security across the Middle East,” AFCENT commander Lt. Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich said in an Oct. 13 statement. “By posturing advanced fighters and integrating with joint and coalition forces, we are strengthening our partnerships and reinforcing security in the region.”