February 16, the U.S. military orchestrated a major strategic move, dispatching 18 F-35A

On February 16, the U.S. military orchestrated a major strategic move, dispatching 18 F-35A "Lightning II" stealth fighters from RAF Lakenheath in the UK to the Middle East.

Reports from Jin10 highlight that this mission—bolstered by a dedicated fleet of aerial refuelers—stands as one of the most substantial solo deployments of the F-35 platform in recent history. To maintain precision during the long-haul transit, the jets operated in synchronized groups of three, a tactical display of the United States' ability to rapidly project advanced airpower into the region.

Key Highlights

* Total Aircraft: 18 F-35A Lightning II jets.

* Origin: RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom.

* Formation: Coordinated cells of three aircraft.

* Scale: One of the largest single-unit deployments in months.