US Redirects 19 More Tanker Aircraft to Middle East

The large-scale US military airlift to the Middle East continues.

This is indicated by new observations from flight monitoring services, according to analysts, in particular to Oliver Alexander and OSINT Intuit.

Published FlightRadar screenshots recorded at least 19 KC-135R/T Stratotanker aircraft.

The movement may also include fighter jets and support aircraft, with possible types including F-35s, F-22s, F-16s, and other platforms.

Earlier reports noted the transfer of US F-35, F-22, and AWACS aircraft to the region.

New videos and flight tracks confirm the high intensity of the operation.

Air tanker activity has been observed on transatlantic routes.

Such operations are typical during a rapid increase of US military presence in tensioned regions.

Air tankers support intercontinental flights of combat aircraft.

There are currently no official US comments on the movement’s scale or purpose.

It is also previously reported that in late January, a group of KC-46A Pegasus tankers and six EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft moved over the Atlantic, possibly indicating preparations for an operation in the Middle East.