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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
How the US has shifted military jets and ships in the Middle East
The U.S. is shifting military aircraft and warships into and around the Middle East to protect Israel from Iranian attacks as President Donald Trump warns Tehran to step back from the conflict. Trump's social media posts saying his patience with Iran was 'wearing thin' have raised the possibility of deepening U.S. involvement, perhaps by using the bunker-busting bomb to strike a key Iranian nuclear site built deep underground in the mountains. Israel doesn't have the massive munition it would take to destroy the Fordo nuclear fuel enrichment plant, or the aircraft needed to deliver it. Only the U.S. does. As America's national security leaders discuss the next steps, the Pentagon has moved to ensure that its troops and bases in the region are protected. Here's a look at the U.S. military presence in the Middle East: In a social media post, Trump warned that 'we now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran.' U.S. officials insisted as of Tuesday that the American military has not taken any offensive actions against Iran, only defensive strikes to take out incoming Iranian missiles to protect Israel. Additional U.S. fighter jets and refueling tankers have been deployed to the region, but officials have declined to provide specific numbers. Fighter jets have joined in launching strikes to defend Israel, but officials said Tuesday that no American aircraft were over Iran. Aurora Intel, a group that reviews open source information in real time in the Middle East, said the U.S. Air Force had put additional refueling aircraft and fighter jets in strategic locations across Europe, including England, Spain, Germany and Greece. The information was obtained from public aviation tracking websites. On Tuesday, the U.S. relocated a dozen F-16s from a base in Italy to Prince Sultan, in Saudi Arabia, Aurora Intel said. U.S. fighter jets have been patrolling the skies around the Middle East to protect personnel and installations, and bases in the region are on heightened alert and are taking additional security precautions, the officials said. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss military operations. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has not provided any details, but said on Fox News Channel late Monday that the military movements were to 'ensure that our people are safe.' American warships also are shooting down Iranian ballistic missiles targeting Israel, with the USS The Sullivans and the USS Arleigh Burke launching strikes over the weekend. The Sullivans has been joined in the Eastern Mediterranean this week by the USS Thomas Hudner to continue those defense strikes, while the Arleigh Burke has moved away from the area, according to a U.S. official. The USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier is in the Arabian Sea with the four warships in its strike group. They are not participating in the defense of Israel. But they are positioned to provide security for U.S. troops and bases along the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf. The USS Nimitz has been long scheduled to take over for the Carl Vinson and is heading west from the Indo-Pacific region toward the Middle East. The official said it is slated to arrive by the end of the month, and the two carriers would likely overlap at least for a short time before the Vinson heads home to San Diego. The USS Gerald R. Ford is sailing for the European theater of command in a week as well. While the deployment was already scheduled and was not in response to the conflict, the presence of the aircraft carrier, with its accompanying warships, will give the president the option of a third carrier group in the region if needed. There also are destroyers in the Red Sea, and others are based in the Western Mediterranean and participating in exercises in the Baltic Sea. The forces in the region have been taking precautionary measures for days, including having military dependents voluntarily leave bases, in anticipation of potential strikes and to protect personnel in case of a large-scale response from Tehran. Officials said they were not aware of many families actually leaving. Typically around 30,000 troops are based in the Middle East, and about 40,000 troops are in the region now, according to a U.S. official. That number surged as high as 43,000 last October in response to heightened tensions between Israel and Iran as well as continuous attacks on commercial and military ships in the Red Sea by the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen. The Air Force's B-2 Spirit stealth bomber is the only aircraft that can carry the 30,000-pound GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, known as the bunker buster. The powerful bomb uses its weight and sheer kinetic force to reach deeply buried targets — and then explode. There are currently no B-2 bombers in the Middle East region, although there are B-52 bombers based at Diego Garcia, and they can deliver smaller munitions. If tapped for use, the B-2 bombers would have to make the 30-hour round trip from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, refueling multiple times.
Business Insider
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Insider
Wiping out surface-to-air missiles is how you win a modern air war — and Israel's gotten very good at it
Israel has been pummeling Iran's arsenal of air defenses, hitting air bases and knocking out its missiles to open the airspace up for further strikes. Targeting enemy surface-to-air missiles to secure air superiority is a critical early move in an air war like Israel's, where the primary objective is to bomb the enemy's combat capabilities, comprehensively degrading its ability to fight. It's a tactic known as suppression and destruction of enemy air defenses. Israel was instrumental in advancing this type of warfare after failure taught a hard lesson in the 70s. In the decades since, it has executed it against foes repeatedly. Last week, the Israeli military launched "Operation Rising Lion, "a combat operation aimed at destroying Iran's nuclear program, as well as severely degrading its military capabilities, including ballistic missile programs and air defenses. Israel's armed forces have targeted military leaders and critical defensive capabilities as well. The air campaign has seen the Israeli Air Force strike Iranian surface-to-air missile assets and other targets, heavily weakening Iran's ability to maintain control over its skies. Earlier this week, the Israeli Air Force said its bombing runs from fighter jets like F-35Is, F-16s, and F-15s had given it air superiority over large areas of Iran, including the capital Tehran. The unique, fifth-generation F-35 Adirs of the Israeli Air Force are, despite limited information on their activities, believed to have played a critical role in the operations against Iran, as this is exactly what the jets were made for: penetrating contested air to weaken enemy defenses. The Israeli military said recently that it had destroyed more than 70 Iranian air-defense batteries, weapons armed with surface-to-air missiles. Destroying those enemy air defenses is widely seen as absolutely imperative in modern air campaigns, Douglas Birkey, the executive director of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, said. "The ability to access their domain unfettered is fundamental to really be able to fight competently." Crippling enemy's air defenses to clear the way for an air war is a tactic that stems from lessons learned from Israel's failures in the Yom Kippur War in 1973 and US experiences in Vietnam. During its war, Israel lost 102 aircraft in the fight, many to enemy surface-to-air missile batteries. The losses spurred the development of strategies focused on suppressing enemy air defenses and destroying them. Israel masterfully demonstrated the tactic during Operation Mole Cricket 19, an operation carried out during the 1982 Lebanon War. The Syrian military had fortified eastern Lebanon with sophisticated Soviet-supplied air defense systems, effectively turning Beqaa Valley into a no-fly zone filled with surface-to-air missiles. Israel broke the enemy air defense network with decoys and deception, electronic warfare, and precision air strikes. It didn't even have the stealth aircraft it has today. The strikes on the SAM batteries cleared the way for Israeli F-15s and F-16s to break through and dominate the skies, destroying dozens of hostile fighters. Western militaries studied the Israeli operation's success, as no other military had ever done anything quite like that. In the early 1990s, the US employed the tactic in Operation Desert Storm, breaking open Iraq's skies for more permissive combat operations with air cover, and then, NATO's forces did the same in Serbia a little later that same decade. Eliminating enemy air defenses can rely on high-cost, specialized weapons able to target hidden, high-value air defense radars, explained Patrycja Bazylczyk, a program manager and research associate with the Missile Defense Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. These include systems like anti-radition missiles. "By leveraging intelligence-gathering and pre-positioned drones within Iranian territory to target air defense assets, Israel underscores how low-cost drones can impose outsized losses on Iranian long-range strike capabilities," she added. Indeed, this kind of reconnaissance was key in Beqaa Valley as well. There are few details on Israel's operation beyond targets eliminated, but Birkey said its assault on Iran's air defenses likely included broad array of effects employed simultaneously. "That might include cyberattacks to bring down networks that could control command and control. It might be electronic warfare to jam certain radars and other communications means," he said. It could involve high-end standoff missiles, stealth aircraft, and drones, too. Taking out enemy air defense batteries is a fast, complex operation that requires insight into how the enemy thinks and operates, as well as detailed mapping out of which targets need to be hit with what and when. Now, with more control over Iran's skies, "Israeli aircraft and drones can go after military targets like a fish in a barrel," Bazylczyk said. Like Israel's experiences during the Yom Kippur War, the importance of the suppression and destruction of enemy air defenses mission isn't only seen in victories, but also failures as well. Russia's failures in the Ukraine war to wipe out enemy air defenses cost the Russian Air Force air superiority, preventing a quicker resolution, as Russian air assets have been largely unable to provide critical close air support for ground forces. It's led instead to a grinding war of attrition in which both sides are locked in something of a stalemate, burning through artillery, weapons, and soldiers. Israel's current campaign against Iran comes on the heels of strikes against Iranian defensive capabilities last fall. Its main targets are related to Iran's nuclear program, which Tehran has said is for civilian purposes, although enrichment levels and secretive nuclear activity have raised concerns in the West. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly said that Iran cannot be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, and in recent days has increased rhetoric against Iran and its leadership. The US claims it wasn't involved in Israel's initial attacks, but Trump has signaled that he is now mulling a decision on US strikes against Iran. He has opened a two-week negotiating window. In the meantime, the US Navy has warships, including an aircraft carrier and several surface ships, stationed in and around the Middle East. Some of these assets have provided air defense for Israel, helping shield it from retaliatory Iranian missile strikes.
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First Post
19-06-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Meet Michael Erik Kurilla, US General known as 'Gorilla', who is handling West Asia crisis
General Michael Erik Kurilla is handling the US' plans for the crisis in West Asia. The four-star general, nicknamed 'Gorilla', for his physique, has been overriding decisions from his seniors at the Pentagon with the backing of US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth read more Lieutenant General Michael Kurilla is handling the US' response to the West Asia crisis. Reuters A four-star general nicknamed 'Gorilla' is handling the US' plans for the West Asia crisis. Though one would expect US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to handle the matter, he has instead delegated power to General Michael Erik Kurilla. So much so that Kurilla is actually overriding decisions from senior members of the Pentagon. But who is Kurilla? What do we know about his handling of the crisis in West Asia? Let's take a closer look: STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Who is he? Kurilla hails from Minnesota's Elk River. He is known as 'Gorilla' because of his physique. Read Israel Iran conflict live updates Kurilla graduated from West Point's United States Military Academy with a BS in Aerospace Engineering. He also has an MBA from Regis University and a MS in National Security Studies from the National War College. Kurilla joined the infantry in 1988. General Michael 'Erik' Kurilla , Commander of U.S. Central Command. Reuters He has seen action in several countries including Panama, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Afghanistan and Bosnia. From 2004 to 2014, Kurilla led conventional and special operations forces in the US Central Command Area of Responsibility. He has been awarded several honours including Bronze Star in 2005 and the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster. Kurilla was awarded the Bronze Star for leading his troops in the battle after being shot thrice. Kurilla was investigated by the US army last year for allegedly shoving a service member while being on a trip to West Asia. General Kurilla is married to Mary Paige. They have two daughters. How is he directing the US' plans? Kurilla has been Chief of Staff of CENTCOM, the combatant command in the Middle East and Central Asia, since April 2022. CENTCOM is the US military's top body in West Asia. Officials say Kurilla seems to get whatever he wants – from jet fighters to aircraft carriers – from Hegseth. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Pentagon sent a second aircraft carrier, the USS Nimitz, to West Asia this week. The Pentagon has already deployed F-16s, F-22s, and F-35s to the region. Kurilla, who is said to be a noted hawk on Iran, is close to Israel. In fact, Hegseth's deference to Kurilla is raising eyebrows around the Pentagon. Experts say much of it comes down to the fact that he looks the part – which is particularly important to both Trump and Hegseth. 'He's got the look of the general that both Hegseth and Trump are looking for,' an ex-official told Politico. 'He's a big dude, he's jacked, he's exactly this 'lethality' look they're going for.' An F-35 fighter jet on the deck of the US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier George Washington. (Photo: AP) 'If the senior military guys come across as tough and warfighters, Hegseth is easily persuaded to their point of view,' the former official added. Kurilla 'has been very good at getting what he wants.' Kurilla has frequently a rgued against the recommendations of his superiors Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine and Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Both Caine and Colby have urged caution when dealing with the situation in West Asia. 'He's extremely strategic and persuasive about what CENTCOM can do given adequate resources,' Dan Shapiro, who until January was the Pentagon's top West Asia policy official, told the outlet. 'That was certainly true in the Biden administration. It may be more true now.' Kurilla earlier this month told the US Congress that he offered President Trump and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth a 'wide range' of military options in case talks with Iran don't pan out. With inputs from agenices
India Today
19-06-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Bunker busters, bombers, and battleships: How US is preparing for Iran
With tensions escalating between Iran and Israel, the United States has ramped up its military presence in the Middle East — a move aimed at shielding Israel from Iranian attacks and protecting American forces in the Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the deployments, saying the movements were made to 'ensure that our people are safe.' The Pentagon has sent additional fighter jets, refueling tankers, and repositioned warships across strategic locations — signaling a potential readiness for deeper now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran,' President Donald Trump declared on social media, fueling speculation about possible US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Officials, however, stressed that no American aircraft had entered Iranian airspace as of Tuesday and that all operations remain defensive — aimed at intercepting Iranian missiles threatening AIRCRAFT MOVING TO THE MIDDLE EASTWhile numbers remain classified, a dozen F-16s have been relocated to Saudi Arabia, and US fighter jets are now patrolling the skies across the region. B-52 bombers at Diego Garcia are ready, and though B-2 stealth bombers — capable of carrying the 30,000-pound "bunker buster" bomb — are not currently deployed, they remain a powerful Massive Ordnance Penetrator, or GBU-57, could be used against Iran's Fordo nuclear site, a facility so deeply buried in the mountains that only this bomb could potentially destroy it. 'Only the US has the aircraft and the munitions needed for that kind of strike,' noted US Intel, a group that reviews open source information in real time in the Middle East, said the U.S. Air Force had put additional refueling aircraft and fighter jets in strategic locations across Europe, including England, Spain, Germany and Greece. The information was obtained from public aviation tracking websites, Associated Press warships have been intercepting Iranian missiles, with destroyers like the USS The Sullivans and USS Arleigh Burke playing a direct role in defending Israel. The USS Carl Vinson and its strike group are now positioned in the Arabian Sea, and the USS Nimitz is en route to reinforce or rotate USS Gerald R. Ford is set to deploy to the European theater of command within the next week. Although the mission was pre-planned and not prompted by the current conflict, the aircraft carrier — alongside its escorting warships — will expand the Trump's strategic FORCES ON ALERTUS troop presence in the Middle East has risen to nearly 40,000, up from the usual 30,000. Families at certain bases have been allowed to voluntarily evacuate, and installations remain on high alert. Troops number surged as high as 43,000 last October in response to tensions between Israel and Iran as well as continuous attacks on commercial and military ships in the Red Sea by the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen.(With inputs from Associated Press)
Miami Herald
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Full List of U.S. Military Deployments That Point to War With Iran
Scrutiny is mounting over a potential U.S. role in the Israel-Iran conflict. After denying involvement in Israel's first strikes on strategic sites across Iran, the U.S. has adopted a tougher tone towards Tehran and has bolstered military deployment in the Middle East. Commenting on the deployments, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said they aimed to enhancing the United States defensive postures in the region. Below is a full list that Newsweek has been able to assemble of U.S. naval and aerial military assets in or heading to the region, according to officials, multiple open-intelligence analysts, tracking data, media and defense outlets. The U.S. military is increasing its air power in the Middle East with the deployment of more F-16s, F-22s and F-35 fighter jets and extending current warplane missions, three U.S. officials told Reuters. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a highly adaptable fighter aircraft used extensively by the United States and its allies. The F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II represent a newer generation of stealth combat aircraft developed for complex operational needs. U.S. aerial refueling aircraft are on their way to the Middle East as the war between Israel and Iran escalates, according to flight data tracking sources. These would be needed for any sustained operations over Iran. This includes KC-135R Stratotankers, the U.S. Air Force's primary aerial refueling aircraft. It also includes KC-46A Pegasus tankers, the next-generation aerial refueling tanker. U.S. officials said the tankers may join a NATO exercise in Europe. The State Department told diplomats to assure hosts the tankers are not backing Israeli air operations in Iran. The United States has been building up its bomber force at the Indian Ocean island base of Diego Garcia. These could be used in any strikes on Iran's nuclear sites with bunker buster munitions that Israel does not possess. Satellite images analysed by Newsweek have shown increasing deployments in recent weeks. B-2 Spirit stealth bombers can carry both conventional and nuclear weapons, including bunker-busting bombs designed to target deep underground facilities. B-52H Stratofortress Bombers, known for their long-range strike capabilities. U.S. Navy vessels have departed the key Manama port in Bahrain, according to satellite imagery, currently underway in the U.S. Central Command area of operations. Vessels in the region include littoral combat ships, fast, agile, and networked surface vessels designed for operations close to shore and mine countermeasure vessels, to neutralize mines using advanced sonar systems. There is also the M/V Ocean Trader, a special operations mothership supporting U.S. forces. Aircraft carrier strike groups provide mobile firepower when required in their own right and support of other operational units. One carrier group is currently in the Middle East and another is on the way. The USS Carl Vinson carrier strike group has recently been operating in the Arabian Sea with an air wing consisting of F-35C Lightning IIs, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes, CMV-22 Ospreys and MH-60R/S Sea Hawks. It took part in weeks of air strikes against the Yemeni-based Houthis, an Iranian-backed militia, before a ceasefire was reached early last month. The USS Nimitzcarrier group is now in transit from the Western Pacific toward the Middle East and was recently in Southeast Asia. Its airwing includes F/A-18C/E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, E-2D Hawkeyes, C-2A Greyhounds and MH-60R/S Sea Hawks. Patriot missile defense units were moved in April by the U.S. military from the Pacific region to the Middle East. The full battalion of air‑defense gear-flew in 73 C‑17 cargo plane trips. The Patriot system is widely regarded as a leading ground-based air defense platform, known for its ability to intercept advanced threats, including certain types of hypersonic missiles. "Doomsday Plane" The U.S. Air Force "Doomsday Plane," a wartime command and control aircraft for the president, flew over the United States on Tuesday and remained trackable throughout, per Flightradar24 data. The move signals a show of force rather than direct operation in the Middle East. The E-4B "Nightwatch," a militarized Boeing 747, serves as the National Airborne Operations Center and key command link for the President, Defense Secretary, and Joint Chiefs. In a national emergency or loss of ground command, it ensures survivable control to direct forces, execute war orders, and coordinate civil response. It was used during the September 11, 2001 attacks. Related Articles Photos Show Where US and China Have Sent Hospital ShipsHamas Sends Warning to U.S. Over Iran AttackNo Kings Protests or Trump's Army Parade-Which Won the Weekend? Newsweek Contributors DebateUS Embassy in Jerusalem Closed as Donald Trump Weighs Attacks on Iran 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
