By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Satellite imagery released by MizarVision indicates the deployment of eleven US F-22 Raptor fighter jets to Uvda Air Force Base, with supporting aircraft reportedly delivering personnel and equipment. This follows a prior report of approximately a dozen F-22s landing at an Israeli base. The utilization of Israeli facilities is significant as the UAE and Saudi Arabia have denied access for potential military actions against Iran, and the UK has not yet granted permission for regional base usage. The presence of these advanced, classified aircraft suggests a preparedness for various outcomes of ongoing peace talks.
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The recent publication of photographs depicting US F-22 fighter jets at an Israeli airbase, reportedly shared by a Chinese firm, has sparked considerable discussion and speculation. These images, noted by The Jerusalem Post, suggest a significant development in regional military posturing, raising questions about the purpose and implications of such a deployment. The fact that the F-22s are not only present but also strategically positioned in the open, close to one another, hints at a deliberate display or even a calculated form of provocation. One can’t help but wonder if the placement is intended as a visual statement, a bold assertion of capability in a volatile region.
The presence of specialized personnel, including technicians, maintenance staff, and operational crews, alongside the F-22s, strongly indicates that these advanced aircraft are not merely on a symbolic visit. Their deployment, coupled with the support infrastructure, suggests a genuine operational intent. This raises a crucial point: given Iran’s currently limited air power, the F-22’s primary role as an air superiority fighter seems somewhat redundant in conventional dogfights. Therefore, their utility in this specific conflict likely extends beyond traditional air-to-air combat.
An intriguing possibility is the F-22’s role in missile and drone interception. While primarily designed for air dominance, it’s understood that these sophisticated aircraft possess capabilities that can be adapted to counter aerial threats, especially those emanating from Iran. Furthermore, there’s a suggestion that the F-22 can also engage ground targets, a capability that might be underestimated or underutilized until now. The act of photographing these aircraft, and particularly the detail of serial numbers, speaks volumes about the advanced reconnaissance capabilities of Chinese satellite technology, or perhaps a more direct form of intelligence gathering through ground-based drones or human assets.
The perceived “flex” of labeling the F-22s by serial number suggests a level of intelligence gathering that unnerves, especially considering the significant investment in the F-22 program, which has historically been characterized by limited direct combat engagement, outside of minor incidents like shooting down weather balloons. The deployment itself seems peculiar if the objective is to counter Iran’s air force, as Israeli forces, particularly with the F-35, have demonstrated an ability to operate with relative impunity over Iranian airspace. This raises the question of whether this is an expensive display, a grandstanding gesture rather than a tactical necessity.
The notion of risking such high-value assets over potentially hostile territory like Iran is indeed a concern. The involvement of a Chinese firm in publishing these photographs adds another layer of complexity, hinting at broader geopolitical gamesmanship. The timing, perhaps coincidentally or intentionally, has led some to draw parallels with historical “wars of distraction,” suggesting a possible attempt to divert public attention from other pressing matters. The sentiment is that such deployments can serve as a smokescreen, obscuring accountability for the military-industrial complex.
The Chinese firm’s particular interest in the F-22 is understandable, given that the United States has consistently refused to export this advanced fighter, even to its closest allies. This exclusivity likely makes it the aircraft about which China has the least amount of direct intelligence. Thus, any opportunity to gather information, even through photographs of its deployment, would be highly valuable. The suggestion that the aircraft might be decoys, while potentially a cynical take, is not entirely out of the realm of possibility in the world of military deception.
The method by which these photographs were obtained – whether through satellite imagery or drone surveillance – is a key question. However, the mere presence of F-22s on Israeli soil is noteworthy in itself. Such deployments are rare and often politically sensitive in the Middle East. Typically, the US prefers to utilize other bases in the region or conduct joint exercises that are less conspicuous. The F-22 requires highly specialized support, making its deployment to Israel a significant logistical undertaking and a signal of heightened concern or commitment.
Given the relative weakness of Iran’s air force, the F-22 deployment is interpreted by many as a clear message of reassurance and protection for Israel. As tensions escalate, Israel may have sought assurances against potential Iranian retaliations, and the presence of the F-22 serves as a potent deterrent. However, positioning such high-value targets so prominently also presents a considerable risk. The strategic rationale behind this decision remains a subject of intense debate and speculation.
The question of the ultimate goal, particularly if it involves military action against Iran, is a somber one. Some express a weariness with the cycle of conflict, wishing for a postponement of hostilities. There’s an underlying concern that Iran, possibly with external support, could inflict significant damage on US military assets, potentially undermining American military power in the region. The term “Department of War” is even brought up, suggesting a perceived readiness for overt conflict.
The timing of potential actions, often speculated to occur during market closures or after sunset in Tehran, points to a calculated approach. The deployment of F-22s is seen by many as an inefficient use of airframe hours, particularly when considering their intended role in countering near-peer adversaries, not engaging with significantly less advanced air forces like Iran’s. While the prospect of “free kills” might appeal to pilots, the overall strategic value of such a deployment against Iran’s existing air capabilities is questioned.
This situation is described as being in the “hold ’em up, show ’em you got ’em” phase of a conflict, a pre-shooting display of force. The deployment is viewed by some as an expensive form of bait, a provocative act. The sheer scale of US military presence in the region, including numerous Stratotankers and multiple aircraft carrier strike groups, already signals a significant commitment. The additional deployment of F-22s, alongside advisories for non-essential personnel to leave Israel and the opening of shelters, suggests that the situation is indeed being taken very seriously, and the Chinese embassy’s heightened security measures further underscore the gravity.
The predictable flight paths of satellites make a deliberate “show of force” a very intentional strategy. If the intention was to keep the F-22s hidden, they could have been placed in hardened aircraft shelters. The visual evidence of F-22s, potentially departing from UK airbases with long-range fuel tanks, further supports the idea that these are the same aircraft involved in this deployment, indicating a significant trans-Atlantic movement. The close proximity and exposed positioning of these valuable assets raise questions about the planning and execution of their logistics.
The deployment is likely intended to intercept Iranian drones and missiles in the event of retaliation. The US military doctrine often involves deploying overwhelming air power when pursuing objectives. The F-22’s stealth capabilities might allow it to operate closer to Iranian airspace for anti-missile roles or for forward observation and munition guidance. Compared to previous conflicts, a potentially larger engagement in this scenario would necessitate a greater array of aircraft and missiles.
Iran’s prominence in drone technology in the Middle East is a crucial factor. The F-22’s ground attack capabilities, though not its primary function, could be utilized. The message being sent is undeniably stark: a powerful warning against any interference or retaliation. The deployment is a clear declaration that any attempt to challenge the US or its allies will be met with overwhelming force. This aligns with a broader strategy of projecting American air superiority.
The idea of keeping the F-22s there for an extended period seems unlikely. The primary purpose of such an advanced aircraft is often to deter engagement altogether. The F-22, a product of fears during the Cold War, was so advanced that potential adversaries essentially conceded air superiority. Now, in a world with fewer direct peer competitors in air combat, it finds itself in situations where its capabilities might seem underutilized, akin to a supremely talented athlete with no one to play against.
The sentiment is that if there were truly “near-peer” adversaries with comparable fighter jets, the F-22 would be put to effective use. The mention of intercepting balloons and UFOs highlights a frustration with the lack of truly challenging aerial engagements, a stark contrast to the F-22’s formidable capabilities. The “balloon incident” is even re-contextualized, with the attached equipment suggesting a more substantial threat than a simple weather balloon.
When operating in hostile environments, the US military prioritizes air dominance, and the F-22 is its premier air superiority fighter. Its alleged involvement in operations in Venezuela underscores its role in ensuring complete air control. The strategy is to prevent any enemy aircraft from taking off, or if they do, to neutralize them swiftly. This approach, applied to the current situation, suggests a plan to neutralize any Iranian aerial threats before they can even materialize.