U.S. Dispatches Over Thirty Refueling Tankers to Middle East
(MENAFN) The United States has recently sent over 30 aerial refueling tankers to the Middle East, aiming to bolster Israeli air operations amid escalating tensions with Iran, according to reports on Tuesday citing two US officials.
These tankers are expected to significantly enhance the range and endurance of Israeli fighter jets conducting sorties over Iranian territory, media reported.
“Without this ability, Israel’s warplanes have a limited time they can linger over Iran,” a reporter explained.
Initial Israeli strikes reportedly involved as many as 200 jets targeting Iranian assets.
Despite Israel operating its own tanker fleet, US officials indicated that the existing capacity is inadequate to sustain such a high volume of aircraft on extended missions.
Prolonged flight duration is particularly crucial for striking mobile ballistic missile launchers, which frequently relocate and conceal themselves between launches.
Having additional time in the air enables Israeli jets to better locate and neutralize these elusive targets.
Moreover, the deployed refueling tankers could provide crucial support to US Air Force B-2 and B-52 bombers if President Donald Trump orders an attack on Iranian nuclear sites, amid speculation he may intensify US involvement in the conflict.
Historically, B-2 bombers have launched missions from Missouri, requiring midair refueling to reach Middle Eastern targets.
These tankers are also positioned to assist US aircraft based in the region or those operating from aircraft carriers in the Indian Ocean.
Media highlighted that should US forces enter the fray, the tankers will be essential for maintaining sustained long-range air operations.
This deployment arrives amid growing fears that the Israel-Iran conflict might spiral into a wider regional war.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept
any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images,
videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright
issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
