A Dozen US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets Deployed on Land to Counter Potential Iranian Threat to Israel
Weeks after US Navy fighter jets returned from months of intercepting Houthi missiles, a new squadron has been deployed to the Middle East amid concerns of an imminent Iranian attack.
In a move to safeguard American forces and bolster Israel’s defense against possible Iranian and proxy attacks, approximately twelve F/A-18 Super Hornets from the USS Theodore Roosevelt have been stationed at a military base in the region, according to an American official.
The official confirmed that the F/A-18s, along with an E-2D Hawkeye surveillance aircraft, departed the carrier in the Gulf of Oman on August 5 and arrived at the undisclosed base.
This development follows reports that the USS Abraham Lincoln is en route to the Middle East to replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt, which has been stationed in the area for an extended period.
In anticipation of potential threats, the US is also deploying additional naval fighter jets, cruisers, and destroyers capable of intercepting ballistic missiles. The decision to station naval fighters on land is noteworthy, given that US CENTCOM already has various aircraft, including F-15E Strike Eagles, F-16 Fighting Falcons, and A-10 Warthogs, in the region.
Additionally, there are reports that a dozen F-22 Raptors are on their way to the same base as the Super Hornets, suggesting that the latter’s deployment may be temporary.
The duration of the aircraft’s stay at the base remains uncertain and will likely depend on unfolding events in the coming days.
Previously, the F/A-18 Super Hornets were deployed to the region to intercept missiles launched by Yemen-based Houthi militias following Israel’s bombing campaign in Gaza. They also participated in strikes against the Houthis alongside British forces. Notably, in January, Super Hornets from the USS Eisenhower and other vessels shot down two anti-ship cruise missiles, a ballistic missile, and 18 drones during a single engagement.
The USS Abraham Lincoln, now heading to the Middle East, is reported to be carrying EA-18 Growlers, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, F-35C Joint Strike Fighters, E-2D Hawkeye aircraft, MH-60R/S Seahawk helicopters, and C-2 Greyhound planes.
This deployment follows President Joe Biden’s recent pledge for additional US military support in the region, a move welcomed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The US is bracing for potential Iranian retaliation for the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas leader in Tehran, which is attributed to Israel.
“Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has directed changes to U.S. military posture to enhance force protection, support Israel’s defense, and prepare for various contingencies,” stated the Pentagon.
Following the deaths of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukur in Beirut last week, there are growing concerns that Iranian retribution could spark a broader regional conflict beyond the Israel-Hamas struggle. The speculation includes a potential regional war involving Iran and its allies against Israel and its Western partners.
Iranian officials have indicated their intention to retaliate. Nasser Kanaani, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that regional security can only be achieved by “punishing the aggressor and deterring the Zionist regime [Israel].”
Analysts suggest that Iran may feel compelled to respond to attacks on its territory, particularly following its significant aerial strike on Israel earlier this year in retaliation for the bombing of an Iranian embassy in Syria. Hezbollah might also join in, potentially putting pressure on Israel’s air defense systems and increasing the risk of further missile attacks and casualties. This escalation could further inflame regional tensions.