The question is, why use one of the world’s most advanced stealth fighters to bomb the other side of the globe just one time? In the endless game of chess pursued by Middle Eastern security strategists, nothing happens by accident not to mention for the sake of change. The unexpected appearance of U.S. airpower in the Middle East with its F-22 Raptor Stealth Fighter is definitely not change.
In the recent few weeks alone, the United States has demonstrated the capability the country holds in relation to assets such as tankers, carrier planes, bombers, and fighters in the face of the escalating conflicts between Israel and Iran. The display of this capability goes beyond the act of posing; it represents positioning with the aim of securing national interests or attacking the entities which necessitate the employment of certain capabilities. The employment of the F-22 represents the fulfillment of its clearly delineated set of roles.
1. The tanker presence evidences extended operations.
A significant number, at least 30, United States planes – KC-135 and KC-46 tankers have been deployed from their bases in the United States to Europe, with more headed to the Middle Eastern region. According to analyses, the developments are “highly unusual” and may include the concept to carry out “long-range” operations. The fact that the tankers are now in the region makes it feasible for fighter planes, including the F-22, to stay in the “contested” area for an extended period.
2. F-22 Raptors in a Defensive Shield
Air superiority, or eliminating potential threats from the air before they can actually target U.S. or Allied forces, is its main role within this region with regard to the F-22s. One of the tasks that, according to U.S. military leaders, the Raptors had been undertaking up to this point was that of intercepting drones and missiles, defending themselves and the carrier strike groups from attacks. The above are some of the reasons for why the Raptors would be suited to a region with a potential threat of missiles and drones, like Iranians.
3. Integration with Carrier Strike Groups
The presence of USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group along with USS Carl Vinson is contributing towards increasing the aircraft capacity of the U.S. Navy by twice its current capacity. The presence of the striking capability of aircraft along with F-22 jets placed at sites in the mainland is providing effective air support. The aircraft can simultaneously intercept an attack, apart from undertaking an attack if required.
4. Strategic Impact of Operation Midnight Hammer
“Operation Midnight Hammer” is a typical example of a strike mission accomplished at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, accomplished by the United States and possessing a definite and quite rare strike capability. In this operation, the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators were launched from the B-2 Spirit bombers; moreover, the formation plane can also be F-22, protecting the bombers from every possible obstacle. It is a much greater emphasis, especially when passing through a highly defended region.
5. GBU-57 and its Exclusive Delivery System
Its GBU-57 M.O.P. variant weighs 30K lbs and has the capability to penetrate concrete up to 200 ft. This will only work for the B-2 aircraft and has to safeguard the airways. The F-22s play a critical role in dealing with the air threat and the air part of the EW mission level to secure the bombers to the target.
6. Strategic Ambiguity and Deterrence
There may be strategic hail-and-switch moves here on the part of the U.S. military deployments, according to Vice Admiral Mellett. This is because the presence of these F-22 aircraft demonstrates the abilities of the U.S. military and hence prevents threats from testing its resolve.
7. Coordinated Multinational Defense
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israeli forces have cooperated with United States military operations against Iran. Israeli forces would benefit with fighter jets like F-22 because it will help them carry out their operations in partnership with Israeli forces and thus increase interoperability so that both defense and offensive operations are done quickly when Iran fires its missiles.
8. Protecting High-Value Naval Assets
With the Iranian forces menacing them on the sea routes, F-22 is also employed for the safeguarding of carrier strike forces and destroyers against air attacks. The aircraft provide the capability of intercepting the attack from beyond the range of attack by their super cruise and radar, thus securing freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
9. Preparing for Escalation Scenarios
Although maintaining a robust Defense Strategy, “The measure of force, F-22s, aircraft carriers, and bombers provide the White House with the opportunity to quickly escalate. And in the event Iran were to reform a nuclear or strike American forces, F-22 readiness provides immediate air superiority, one element required in completing a Follow Through Strike mission.
Having this presence in this region is not based on Flexible or Multi-mission needs, or in fact, Multi-mission needs, and I can assure you this is not based on Multi-mission Needs in any respect.” “Secured skies enable every other platform to complete its mission to its fullest potential,” because indeed, “thisnist where every second counts and every decision shapes actions to follow on the next on the next step of the mission,” F-22s accomplish a myriad of responsibilities “between the application of light and shield and painting
