US F-35s Redeployed from Venezuela to the Middle East

F-35 fighter jets that previously participated in U.S. operations against the Maduro regime have begun redeploying to the Middle East.

According to OSINTtechnical on X, the aircraft took off from bases in Puerto Rico and Virginia, supported by aerial refueling planes.

Confirmed reports indicate these jets belong to the 134th Fighter Squadron of the Vermont National Guard.

The same F-35s involved in the U.S. mission to capture Venezuelan President Maduro arrived in Lajes on their way to the Middle East this evening.

The fifth-generation fighters will bring additional capabilities as the U.S. prepares options to strike Iran. https://t.co/BwAwqDzJ1Z pic.twitter.com/8MslGBp1w7

— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) January 29, 2026

According to ACARS data, some of the F-35s made a refueling stop at Lajes Air Base in the Azores.

On January 29, the fighters arrived in Spain, where they are temporarily stationed before continuing their deployment to the Middle East.

Over the past day, a group of KC-46A Pegasus refueling aircraft and six EA-18G Growler electronic warfare planes were moving over the Atlantic, which may indicate preparations for an operation in the Middle East.