A squadron of fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighter jets has arrived in the Middle East amid growing threats from Iran and russia

Last week, the US announced the dispatch of fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighter jets to the Persian Gulf. The planes arrived in the Middle East the day before.

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The US initially planned to build up forces in the region amid aggressive actions by Iran, which was trying to seize oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. However, while the planes were flying from the US to the Middle East, a Russian Su-35 fighter jet managed to damage a US MQ-9 Reaper drone.

U.S. Air Forces Central said in a statement that aircraft from the 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron had arrived in the Middle East. It is stationed at Hill Base, Utah.

The F-35 Lightning IIs will help protect U.S. interests and contribute to regional security and freedom of navigation in the region. The fifth-generation fighters will operate alongside the F-16 Fighting Falcon and A-10 Thunderbolt II.

Last week, the US announced the dispatch of F-35s to the region along with the destroyer USS Thomas Hudner. Before that, fourth-generation F-16 fighters arrived there, one of which shot down three J-21 Jastreb jets over Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1994. The Pentagon also announced the dispatch of landing ships USS Bataan and USS Carter Hall to the region.

Source: AFCENT