The US has been moving fighter jets to the Middle East and expanding its deployment of warplanes already in the region amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.
Three US officials confirmed that Washington is bolstering its military forces in the region as conflict rages, with the latest deployments including F-16, F-22 and F-35 fighter aircraft.
This comes after a dozen KC-135R and KC-46A aerial refuelling aircraft arrived in Europe from the United States.
US defence secretary Pete Hegseth said the deployments were defensive in nature, as Washington is seeking to safeguard forces in the Middle East from any potential retaliation from Iran and its aligned forces in the region.
While the US already has a sizeable force in the Middle East, with around 40,000 troops in the region, including air defence systems and warships, Washington has been quick to reinforce its deployments in recent weeks.
The New Arab breaks down what we know so far about the warplanes and destroyers sent to the Middle East.
Refuelling aircraft sent to Europe
The US has sent around 30 refuelling aircraft to Europe, which could be used to support fighter jets in protecting US bases or to extend the range of bombers involved in any potential strike on Iranian nuclear facilities.
It comes as Iran has been preparing missiles and military equipment to launch strikes on US bases in the Middle East, if the US joins Israel in striking it.
US President Donald Trump, in recent days, has increasingly hinted at Washington having a role in the conflict, while Israel is also pressuring them to intervene and target Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility.
Several reports have stated that targeting this underground facility would require the US’ B-2 bomber, which is currently stationed at the Diego Garcia base.
Flight tracking data has also revealed that over 17 US military transport aircraft are heading south from bases in Europe.
An additional 31 tanker aircraft were seen crossing the Atlantic Ocean, The War Zone reported.
Hegseth confirmed on social media platform X that he had "ordered additional deployments to the area of responsibility of US Central Command," adding that "protecting US forces is our top priority and these deployments are intended to enhance our defence posture in the region".
US defences in the region
The US could further be sending F-35 jets from the Vermont Air National Guard or the Royal Air Force base in England, The War Zone reported, adding that F-22 jets could also arrive in the Middle East from the Langley Air Force Base in Virginia.
Since last year, the US Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles have been playing a key role in defending Israel against missile and drone attacks.
This comes as defence officials told The Washington Post that the Pentagon maintains a wide range of defences in the region, including the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier, currently in the Arabian Sea, accompanied by the guided missile cruiser USS Princeton.
The US Navy has since further cancelled a scheduled port visit to Vietnam for the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier, redirecting it instead to escort another ship to the Middle East.
Together, they both carry around 5,000 sailors and dozens of fighter jets, meaning there are now two US carriers in the region.
Meanwhile, the USS Milius, USS Sterett and USS Wayne E. Meyer destroyers are in the Arabian Sea, while two other destroyers, the USS Truxtun and USS Forrest Sherman, are in the Red Sea.
Other developments include the USS Canberra arriving in the port of Bahrain last month, while the US Navy deployed three additional destroyers in the Mediterranean Sea.
Further developments include the USS Thomas Hudner being in the western Mediterranean when the recent military strikes on Iran began, which has since moved to the eastern Mediterranean, closer to Israel, according to defence officials.
Refuelling aircraft
Flight tracking data has also indicated that refuelling aircraft, along with heavy transport planes, have recently taken off from various locations across the US, landing hours later at airbases in Spain, Greece, Germany, Italy and Scotland.
These include KC-135 Stratotankers and KC-46 Pegasus aircraft, with U.S. officials stating this move brings these aircraft closer to the Middle East to defend US interests if necessary.
Defence officials also indicated that additional fighter jets may be deployed as part of the response, although the type and destination were not immediately clear.
In recent days, ballistic missile defence systems such as Patriot and the THAAD air defence system have participated in intercepting Iranian drones and missiles, according to officials quoted by The Washington Post.
Trump has fuelled concerns that the US will join Israel in its war against Iran, after levelling threats at the country’s leader, saying he will not kill him "for now".