US Begins Massive Transfer of Aircraft From Europe to the Middle East

Several U.S. tanker aircraft recently arriving in Europe for the Atlantic Trident 25 exercise have unexpectedly been redeployed to the Middle East.

Military analysts and open-source intelligence observers, including OSINTdefender and Manu Gómez, reported the movements via posts on X.

According to the reports, five of the 22 tanker aircrafts flying from the United States to Europe on June 16 continued on toward the Middle East. The aircraft involved include:

• 58-0049
• 58-0062
• 58-0121
• 59-1468
• 63-8039

At least 11 more aircraft reportedly took off from European airfields and also headed toward the region. Some of them conducted cyclic flights over south-central Europe and the Balkans.

The official reason for the redeployments has not been disclosed. However, analysts speculate that the movement may be part of a large-scale transfer of U.S. fighter jets to the Middle East.

According to The Aviationist, F-15, F-16, F-22, and F-35 aircraft are among those being sent to the region. The publication also released an image of an F-35 being refueled over Europe.

The tankers’ cyclic flight paths may reflect in-flight refueling operations for fighters en route from northern and central Europe. This approach allows aircraft to avoid landing en route, reducing transit time and operational complexity amid heavy air traffic.

The deployment may also be intended as a show of support for Israel during renewed tensions with Iran.

U.S. President Donald Trump recently declared that the United States has achieved complete air dominance over Iranian skies. He also urged civilians to evacuate Tehran, suggesting potential preparations for a wider escalation.

Combined with the transfer of aircraft, such statements could signal both political support for Israel and potential U.S. military involvement.
While the Pentagon has not issued an official statement, the scale of the redeployments and recent rhetoric suggest a rapid buildup of American military presence in the region amid rising tensions with Iran.