Washington, DC, February 25 - The United States Air Force has deployed a squadron of F-22 Raptor stealth fighters to Ovda Airbase in southern Israel, marking a significant escalation in American military presence in the Middle East. These fifth-generation air superiority aircraft, renowned for their advanced stealth capabilities, supercruise speed, and unmatched situational awareness, transited from RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom with support from KC-46 Pegasus and KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling aircraft. The movement of approximately a dozen F-22s underscores the Pentagon's rapid reinforcement of forward-operating assets amid heightened regional tensions.
Confirmed. F-22s arriving at Ovda Airbase in southern Israel. pic.twitter.com/n1KAqeuIVX
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) February 24, 2026
Ovda Airbase, a strategically located facility in Israel's Negev desert, serves as an ideal forward-operating location for U.S. forces due to its expansive runways, proximity to key maritime chokepoints, and established infrastructure for joint operations. The deployment follows a broader surge in U.S. airpower across the theater, including concurrent movements of F-35 Lightning II multirole fighters, F-15E Strike Eagles, and other tactical assets to various bases in the region. This buildup represents one of the most substantial concentrations of advanced American combat aircraft in recent years, aimed at bolstering deterrence and operational readiness.
The F-22 Raptor remains the world's premier air dominance fighter, designed to penetrate contested airspace, achieve superiority against advanced threats, and integrate seamlessly with allied forces. Its arrival at Ovda enhances interoperability with Israeli defense systems and provides a credible, rapidly deployable capability for air-to-air engagements and precision strikes if required. Supported by extensive tanker assets, the jets completed a complex transatlantic and onward journey, demonstrating the U.S. Air Force's global reach and logistical prowess in projecting power over vast distances.
This forward deployment reflects ongoing strategic adjustments to address evolving security dynamics in the Middle East, reinforcing alliances and signaling an unwavering commitment to regional stability. As tensions persist, the presence of these elite stealth fighters at Ovda Airbase strengthens defensive postures and contributes to a layered approach to deterrence, ensuring overwhelming air superiority in any potential contingency.