28.04.2026 15:21
The US military air mobility in the Middle East has significantly increased in the last 72 hours. Dozens of refueling, transport, and reconnaissance flights were conducted across the region. While intense military equipment was transported to Israel and the Gulf, surveillance activities accelerated along the Eastern Mediterranean and Hormuz lines. The density in air traffic was interpreted as a 'major preparation'.
The US military activity in the Middle East has notably increased in recent days. In the last 72 hours, hundreds of military flights have been conducted in the region, and the intensity of air traffic has been interpreted as "major preparation."
MASSIVE AERIAL REFUELING OPERATION
According to open-source flight data, at least 89 aerial refueling missions were carried out around the Persian Gulf using US-owned KC-135 and KC-46 tanker aircraft. Such operations are critically important for enabling fighter jets to remain airborne for extended periods.
It is known that the US had previously moved dozens of tanker aircraft into the region, which was assessed as preparation for a large-scale operation.
INTENSIVE SHIPMENTS TO ISRAEL AND THE GULF
During the same period, at least 97 flights were carried out using C-17 and C-5M heavy transport aircraft to Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the Camp Lemonnier base in the Horn of Africa, transporting military equipment and logistical support.
It had been previously reported that US cargo and tanker aircraft had landed in Israel as part of the military buildup in the region.
RECONNAISSANCE AND SURVEILLANCE FLIGHTS INCREASED
At least 19 reconnaissance flights were conducted over the Eastern Mediterranean, the Gulf of Aden, and the Strait of Hormuz using P-8A, MQ-4C, and RC-135W aircraft. These flights are assessed to have been carried out to monitor military activity in and around Iran.
LARGE-SCALE MILITARY BUILDUP CONTINUES
According to analyses in the foreign press, the US has deployed over 100 combat aircraft and support elements to the Middle East in recent months.
This buildup is considered one of the largest concentrations of military power in the region and signifies preparation for potential operations.
TENSION RISES
As tensions between the US and Iran persist, this scale of air activity has reignited discussions about the "possibility of war" and "preparations for a large-scale operation."