See USAF tankers on rtb after picking up SP F-16's in Germany and cutting them loose in the Eastern Med.
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US fighter jets arrive in Middle East as Israel’s response to Iran attack looms
From CNN's Natasha Bertrand
United States Air Force F-16 fighter jets arrived in the Middle East from Germany on Friday, according to US Central Command, as the region braces for a possible Israeli attack on Iran.
The arrival of the F-16s is part of the US’ efforts to bolster its firepower in the region ahead of the potential Israeli strike, which would be in retaliation for an Iran missile attack on Israel on October 1.
The Pentagon announced in September that it would be sending additional fighter aircraft to the Middle East, reinforcing its air defenses and deploying additional troops ahead of a possible escalation between Israel and Iran.
The aircraft include F-16, F-15E and F-22 fighter aircraft, as well as A-10 attack aircraft and associated personnel, the Pentagon said.