Overview
- Six F-35A Lightning IIs that arrived at RAF Lakenheath on Feb. 9 have now departed for the U.S. Central Command area, according to new spotter reports and images.
- Twelve F-35As from the Vermont Air National Guard are transiting toward the region in total, with six taking a southern route through Spain after earlier staging in Puerto Rico and the Azores.
- Flight data previously showed three KC-135 tankers supporting the Lakenheath leg to nearby RAF Mildenhall, while a separate tanker on the southern route experienced an engine issue at Morón that led to blown tires and delays.
- The jets will augment a reinforced U.S. posture that already includes three F-15E squadrons, one F-16 squadron, one A-10 squadron, HH-60W rescue helicopters, added Patriot and THAAD defenses, and the USS Abraham Lincoln’s carrier air wing.
- The Aviationist reports no strategic bombers are deployed to the theater, while EA-18G Growlers and additional P-8A Poseidons have increased available electronic-warfare and maritime patrol coverage.