Israel and Iran plus USA bombs Iranian nuclear facilities

[nashwa]

Apologies if this is the wrong thread, and I don’t want to be fear mongering, but is the massive swarm of stratotankers that crossed the pond today not a pretty bad sign? Sure it could be precautionary but I feel they surely already have a decent number on DG and at al-udeid, and this new deployment would be a bit overkill?

[KevinJ]

I'd say precautionary, there's a high risk of Iran striking US assets in the region so they want to be ready to respond at short notice. If we see an influx of new combat aircraft to the region there could be a plan to escalate so we'll see in the next few days. I'd expect a deployment of B-52s to Fairford or Moron if things ae really going to kick off.

[nashwa]

There’s already B-52s on Diego Garcia so I’m not sure they’d send more, you’re right though I guess we’d need to see some fighters to know things were really about to go south although I don’t actually know how many fighters are already out there?

[blackbird60]

If they do,it won't be FF,WITH Rait due soon,more like moron

[Blackcat1]

Unless they cancel RIAT, who knows what the future holds

[Vulcanone]

It's not just about Iran having nuclear weapons but groups like hezbollah, Hampshire,houthis.

I didn't know Hampshire had developed its own Nuclear capability.... Everyday is a school day !!

[Thunder]

If they do,it won't be FF,WITH Rait due soon,more like moron

Pretty sure if it all goes “Pete Tong”, RIAT will be canned. FFD is there to be used as a FOB first and foremost, the RIAT circus is just that.

[Finty]

Not seen any solid proof of those alleged F-35I downing so will dismiss until evidence comes to light.

Footage now doing the round of two F-14s being destroyed on the ground but debate going on as to whether they are mock-ups or grounded airframes.

[Finty]

but said the UK could play a military role defending Israel from ongoing Iranian attacks.

The final sentence from Rachel says a lot.

wouldn’t be the first time as RAF Typhoons downed 3 drones launched by Iran during their April 2024 attack on Israel.

German chancellor has said that Iran should not have nuclear weapons (my words)

Sounds like picking sides...

Whether it was an issue with tracking sites I don’t know but a German A400 appeared over Israeli airspace, fuelling discussing/wibble about it refuelling Israeli aircraft.

[nashwa]

Rumblings on the grape vine of an F-22 and F-35 deployment to the middle east started today, now with KC-135 GOLD24 heading NE out of Salt Lake City, it seems likely. Again another slightly worrying sign, here’s to hoping it’s only intimidation/precautionary positioning, but Trumps been doing a lot of talking the past couple of days…

[Finty]

Rumblings on the grape vine of an F-22 and F-35 deployment to the middle east started today, now with KC-135 GOLD24 heading NE out of Salt Lake City, it seems likely. Again another slightly worrying sign, here’s to hoping it’s only intimidation/precautionary positioning, but Trumps been doing a lot of talking the past couple of days…

I assume whichever F-35 squadron of HL's 388th Fighter Wing is still deployed in the Middle East? I've seen nothing about them heading back stateside. At some point the 495th is expected to deploy there but obviously not just yet as the tanker support wouldn't be from CONUS.

Speaking of tankers, it had passed me by that Iran was the operator of the sole KC-747. This has now been destroyed and is seen during 'better times' in this rather nice shot posted on X. The USA may be the great Satan but they don't half make some nice planes!


https://x.com/BabakTaghvaee1/status/1934270699922755728

[Finty]

Further to Nashwa's post, I've just seen this on X. Looks like a good account.

https://x.com/CoronetEast/status/1934721955237613734

[nashwa]

Adding on to myself from last night, there’s a lot more GOLD flights about this morning, F-35s are deploying from Lakenheath, and apparently Vermont ANG F-35s (some say Lakenheath birds are going instead), and Langley Raptors.

[STN RAMP RAT]

I have just given the thread a tidy, please remember this is the mess and the following rule applies

“A forum for discussing all things related to MILITARY AVIATION including Military Aviation news. No off-topic discussions here please.”

[david14]

Also seen reports of F16s from Aviano

[Finty]

Also seen reports of F16s from Aviano

Aye.

viewtopic.php?f=342&t=254936

[STRATO2003]

So we got AV 16's on the way ,Laken' 15's and 35's
What do we suspect is being tanked from Moron ?

[KevinJ]

In summary then, USAF units that are thought to be in the region, or heading there are:
389thFS F-15E
391stFS F-15E
494thFS F-15E
31stFW F-16CM
388thFW F-35A
493rdFS F-35A
134th FS F-35A?
1stFW F-22A

[jamesg23]

In summary then, USAF units that are thought to be in the region, or heading there are:
389thFS F-15E
391stFS F-15E
494thFS F-15E
31stFW F-16CM
388thFW F-35A
493rdFS F-35A
134th FS F-35A?

are the b2s and b52s still based at Deigo garcia?

[F4JPhantomII]

In summary then, USAF units that are thought to be in the region, or heading there are:
389thFS F-15E
391stFS F-15E
494thFS F-15E
31stFW F-16CM
388thFW F-35A
493rdFS F-35A
134th FS F-35A?
1stFW F-22A

Having a look through the coronet page, there seems to be 20th FW F-16s, 52nd FW F-16s and 124th FW A-10s in the region as well.