ANJ, January 20 - In a significant repositioning of U.S. airpower amid heightened regional tensions, the U.S. Air Force has deployed at least 12 F-15E Strike Eagles from the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom to Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. Supported by four KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling aircraft, the multirole fighters departed their forward-operating base in England and arrived at the Jordanian facility in mid-January 2026. This movement enhances the United States' forward presence in the Middle East, enabling rapid response capabilities across the Levant and beyond.
The F-15E Strike Eagle, a proven dual-role platform, excels in both air-to-air superiority and precision deep-strike missions. Equipped with advanced systems such as the Eagle Passive/Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS), these aircraft offer improved survivability against radar-guided threats and electronic warfare environments. The deployment from RAF Lakenheath underscores the wing's role in supporting U.S. Central Command operations, with the jets providing persistent combat air patrols, extended-range strikes, and deterrence against potential adversaries.
This redeployment coincides with the approach of the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group to the region, transiting from the Indo-Pacific to reinforce naval aviation assets in the Middle East. The carrier's embarked air wing, including F/A-18 Super Hornets and other platforms, complements the land-based F-15E Strike Eagles, creating a layered force posture that bolsters air dominance and strike options. Together, these assets strengthen U.S. military readiness in a strategically vital area.
Officials have characterized the movement as a routine rotation to maintain operational flexibility, with no net increase in regional forces. Positioned at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, a key partner facility, the F-15E Strike Eagles extend mission endurance through aerial refueling support, ensuring effective coverage over critical zones while promoting stability and deterrence in the Middle East.