The U.S. Air Force deployed F-22 Raptors to Israel on February 25, 2026, ending decades of policy against basing these stealth fighters on Israeli soil. Pentagon officials confirmed this from Washington, D.C.
Six jets from Virginia's Langley Air Force Base touched down at Nevatim Airbase near Beersheba amid surging threats from Iran-backed groups like Hezbollah and Houthis.
President Trump's administration approved the move after Israeli PM Netanyahu's request, driven by needs for air superiority against advanced drones and missiles.
F-22s flew 6,000 miles with mid-air refueling; they'll operate rotationally, integrating with Israel's F-35 fleet for joint patrols.
America's Stealth Fighters F-22s Head to Israel
F-22 Raptors, the world's top stealth jets, cost $350 million each with radar-evading shapes and supercruise at Mach 1.5 sans afterburners.
From the 1st Fighter Wing, they landed at bomb-hardened Nevatim, scene of past Iranian strikes. Pilots now train with the IDF, sharing real-time data links for unbeatable team defense.
US F-22 Deployment to Israel Reasons
Iran's January 2026 missile waves and Yemen Houthi Red Sea attacks pushed this historic step.
F-22s carry AIM-120D missiles for long-range kills, deterring hypersonic threats no other jet matches.
Trump reversed Obama-era limits to preserve Israel's edge while freeing U.S. forces for Pacific duties against China.
F-22 Raptors Boost Middle East Air Power
Past U.S. policy shunned basing to avoid escalation or tech leaks; now, with Russia bogged in Ukraine, America reallocates.
Saudis applaud quietly, eyeing their F-15s upgrade. Joint drills test intercepts, letting F-22s patrol vast zones tirelessly.
Stealth Fighters Mark New Era for Allies
F-22s pack thrust-vectoring for dogfight agility plus 20mm cannons and smart bombs. C-17s hauled gear; ground crews stood up ops fast.
Iran blasts it as "provocation," proxies vow hits – but F-22's perfect 100-0 record reassures. Initial 90-day stint sets template for Guam or Poland rotations.
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F-22s signal deeper U.S.-Israel bonds amid hot spots – more rotations likely as threats grow. Skies stay secure through tech teamwork. Follow DoD briefings for mission extensions.
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