British News Agency

The US Air Forces Central Command, the air component of US Central Command (CENTCOM), said on Tuesday it would conduct “a multi-day readiness exercise to demonstrate the ability to deploy, distribute and sustain combat air power within the US Central Command area of responsibility”.

The statement added that the exercise is designed to “enhance asset and personnel deployment capabilities, strengthen regional partnerships, and prepare for executing a flexible response”.

The dates, location and list of US military assets participating in the exercise were not disclosed. However, the exercise appears to be intended to demonstrate the US ability to project power into the region at a time of escalating tensions with Iran.

CENTCOM announced on Monday that a large US naval force led by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln has arrived in the region. The carrier, which carries several dozen fighter aircraft and around 5,000 sailors, was accompanied by several guided-missile destroyers equipped with air defense systems to protect the carrier strike group.

According to the Washington Post, the US has also deployed a squadron of F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets from the same unit that took part in attacks against Iran in April 2024. The United Kingdom also sent Typhoon jets to the region for “defensive purposes”.