The US has sent another squadron of fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters and a squadron of F-15E fighters to the UK for deployment to the Middle East, according to the military air surveillance alliance.

Twelve F-35A Lightning II fighters and 12 F-15E Strike Eagle fighters have arrived in Lakenheath Air Force Base in the UK after a transatlantic flight. The aircraft departed from Hill Air Force Base in Utah and Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, respectively. They were accompanied by US Air Force KC-135R Stratotanker and KC-46 Pegasus tanker aircraft.

Thirty F-35A and 36 F-15E fighters are already deployed at the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan.

According to Israeli media, the first squadron of 11 F-22 Raptor fifth-generation stealth fighters had arrived in Israel on Tuesday. After flying from the UK, where they were temporarily stationed, the fighters landed at Ovda Air Base in Israel's southern Negev Desert. This is the first known deployment of American combat aircraft in Israel, the JFeed news portal noted.

Another squadron of 13 F-22 Raptors, stationed at a UK air base, is preparing to deploy to the Middle East; this is expected in the coming days.

In June last year, F-22 Raptors were used to provide combat cover for American B-2A Spirit strategic stealth bombers, which struck Iranian nuclear facilities.

Currently, the US, including aircraft from two aircraft carriers, has deployed more than 210 combat aircraft to the Middle East.