US fighters landed. Reinforcements sent to the Middle East
The United States has decided to send additional aircraft to the Middle East. F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters have appeared in the area of responsibility of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM).
6:56 AM EDT, October 26, 2023
After the attack from Hamas, the world's largest military power expressed its support for Israel and announced tangible aid. Beyond ammunition and equipment sent to the country fighting with terrorists, a decision was made to increase the amount of equipment at US bases in the Middle East. This is an element of deterrence not only for Hamas but also for Hezbollah and Iran.
F-16 dispatched to the Middle East
Earlier in the Middle East, A-10 Thunderbolt II jets, extremely durable attack aircraft, have landed. Apart from that, the US authorities have decided to increase the number of F-15E Strike Eagles in the hot area, and now they have announced that they have also sent F-16 fighters there, which are the most popular combat aircraft in the world.
– The arrival of these fighters strengthens our ability to support allies, coalition, and regional partners, to work together on increasing stability and security in the region – said Alexus G. Grynkewich from the USA Air Force.
The most popular combat aircraft in the world
The F-16 is a multi-purpose fighter jet manufactured by Lockheed Martin in quantities of over 4,500 units. It has a length of about 49 feet and is capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 2 (over 1305 mph) and operating at an altitude exceeding 49,000 feet. Although it is not the newest of its kind, it continues to enjoy high rankings in many armies around the world. Among other reasons, due to its armament.
It comes standard with a six-barrel M61 Vulcan 20 mm caliber gun, but it can also carry more powerful weaponry. It has been adapted to use AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM, AGM-84D Harpoon anti-ship missiles, as well as CBU-87, CBU-89, GBU-10, GBU-12, Paveway or JDAM bombs. If necessary, F-16s can even become carriers of nuclear weapons.
Previously, the United States also sent significant naval support to the East, including two huge aircraft carriers - USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Gerald R. Ford, along with accompanying ships that make up the strike groups.