The US is sending fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighter jets along with the destroyer USS Thomas Hudner to deter Iran in the Persian Gulf

By: Maksim Panasovskiy | 18.07.2023, 13:05

On the previous day, we wrote that the United States had sent F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters to the region to deter Iran in the Persian Gulf. They will be assisted by fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II aircraft and a warship.

Here's What We Know

The US Secretary of Defence ordered the deployment of the destroyer USS Thomas Hudner, F-35 Lightning II and F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets to the region. This was announced by Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh.

The number of aircraft involved in the expanded mission has not yet been specified. Sabrina Singh also did not say when the F-35 Lighting II fighter jets together with the destroyer USS Thomas Hudner will arrive in the region and how long they will stay there.

Iran's aggressive actions have forced the U.S. to send more forces to the Persian Gulf. Last week, the Iranian military tried to seize two oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, but abandoned the effort after the USS McFaul arrived there.

Source: Breaking Defence