U.S. maintains tactical air force of over 230 fighter and attack aircraft near Iran
The U.S. military command continues to maintain a tactical air force comprising more than 230 fighter and attack aircraft in proximity to Iran.
Sea-news.az reports that this information was published by the Itamilradar portal, citing data from the Military Air Tracking Alliance (MATA).
Reports indicate that while certain fighter squadrons underwent rotation across the Middle East over the past two weeks, the overall aggregate number of deployed U.S. combat aircraft has not decreased.
According to the data, U.S. Central Command bases in the Middle East host 208 fighters and 30 A-10 attack aircraft. The majority of these assets are positioned in Jordan, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Furthermore, more than 110 fighter aircraft are stationed aboard two active carrier strike groups and a large amphibious assault ship operating in the region.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the Pentagon has extended the deployment of U.S. forces in the Middle East through 2027. Approximately 50,000 U.S. service members, 19 naval vessels, air defense units, and substantial aviation assets remain stationed across the theater.
Sources suggest this long-term posture is driven by assessments indicating that potential military friction with Iran could persist well into next year.
