As tension escalates in the Middle East, the US has reportedly summoned over a dozen A-10C Warthog attack jets to join its operations against the Middle East. Available flight tracking data shows over 20 A-10Cs gathered at Portsmouth International Airport at Pease, New Hampshire, a standard jump-off point for a flight across to RAF Lakenheath in England.
Along with the fleet, three KC-135 Stratotankers are already airborne from RAF Mildenhall, according to The War Zone.
The A-10s have earlier been used in the US campaign against Iranian-backed militias in Iraq. However, this time it is expected that the A-10s will aid the US military in invading Kharg Island or unblock the Strait of Hormuz. They could also provide valuable air support if the US resorts to commando raids deeper into Iran.
Called the flying tanks, the A-10 can carry a massive arsenal of land and air attack weapons and is known for its ability to maneuver and fly slowly at lower altitudes, firing its cannon at enemy ground troops.
Besides the A-10 Warthogs, open source flight trackers say that two U.S. Air Force EA-37B Compass Call electronic warfare jets are on their way to the UK, before heading to the Middle East. This is the first operational deployment of these aircraft. They can provide critical stand-off jamming support, including against enemy radars and communications systems. They also aid in surveillance, reconnaissance and can spot, track and geolocate various types of emitters.
Meanwhile, an image shared by CENTCOM showed amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA-7) cruising through Indian Ocean toward the Middle East. The ship carries over 2,500 Marines. Though it is unclear what missions the Marines will perform in the region, it is predicted that a ground invasion of Kharg Island is on the cards.
As per reports, the arrival of 2,500 Marines and another 2,500 sailors is keeping the number of American troops in the Mideast region at over 50,000.
