In a remarkable American air move that strengthens the ongoing military presence between Europe and the Middle East, 12 F-35 stealth fighters landed in Britain on Monday evening, accompanied by six planes to refuel, amid speculation that the station will be temporary before a possible move to the Middle East in light of the ongoing tension with Iran, without an official announcement from Washington about the final destination.
A report by journalist Shai Levy on the Israeli “Mako” website stated that air traffic records at the “Mildenhall” and “Lickenheath” bases showed the arrival of the fighters on September 28 as part of a new operational deployment. The force includes a formation of the 325th Wing stationed at Tyndall Base in Florida (in the first operational deployment of its aircraft outside the United States with 6 fighters), and the 388th Wing from the Hale Base in Utah.
The transatlantic flight was carried out under the code name “Coronet East 118” to the RAF Lakenheath base, accompanied by four KC-46 and two KC-135 refueling aircraft. This location differs from the “Fairford” base, which recently witnessed a security incident and a counter-terrorism investigation.
So far, no official US confirmations have been issued regarding whether the fighters are intended for the Middle East or for operations against Iran, and their departure from British bases has not yet been monitored, which makes the possibility of them heading to the Iranian arena possible based on previous deployment patterns, although it is considered too early to consider it certain.
This move coincides with broad American military activity, which included the departure of the aircraft carrier “USS Theodore Roosevelt” from San Diego on September 27, heading towards the Central Command area of responsibility to replace the “George Washington” operating in the Arabian Sea, which includes on board “F-35C” fighters, “F/A-18” aircraft, and electronic warfare.
As Central Command’s combat squadrons continue to rotate, Lakenheath Base stands out as a major transit station. The presence of the fighters in Britain strengthens American power in Europe, while their take-off south or east accompanied by fuel planes means a different operational significance, so the fact of the arrival of 12 stealth fighters with a huge supply umbrella remains a prominent indicator amid Washington’s redistribution of its forces around the confrontation area.
