In addition to the A-10s and F-16s currently on the ground, the Pentagon is deploying F-35s to the Middle East to assist monitor waterways in the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman in response to what the Defense Department claims is increased Iranian disruptive behavior.
The statement from the Pentagon omitted a delivery date for either the F-35s’ version or service. In response to a string of instances in which Iranian ships harassed ships in the area, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Gen. Erik Kurilla, head of U.S. Central Command, made the decision, according to Defense Department Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh.
The free flow of business through this important waterway is threatened by Iran’s disruptive measures, Singh said. “We call upon Iran to cease these destabilizing actions immediately.”
The F-16s will also be sent to the area, the Pentagon said on July 13. The area received an A-10 deployment last month.
“Just an additional asset to help,” Singh says of the F-35s.
Iran tried to board two oil tankers earlier this month, firing shots at one of the vessels in the process. The U.S. Navy sent a guided missile destroyer, a P-8 maritime surveillance plane, and a MQ-9 surveillance drone to interfere.
In announcing the deployment of the F-16, a senior military official said, “We are working closely between the maritime and air components to ensure that there is adequate air cover and that there is adequate maritime surface presence in order to deter Iran from going after oil tankers.”
In addition to deploying F-22s to the Middle East in reaction to Russian aircraft harassing American aircraft and ground locations during the last several months, this deployment is being made.
