The Chinese intelligence agency MizarVision published satellite photos showing 11 US F-22 Raptor fighter jets deployed at the Uvda Air Force Base on Thursday.
Additionally, transport planes, refueling planes, and a passenger plane have been seen arriving at the base, Kan News reported on Thursday. These planes appeared to transport soldiers, including technicians, maintenance personnel, armaments, and operations personnel who are supposed to provide cover for the fighter squadron, Kan wrote.
This comes a day after The Jerusalem Post reported that approximately 12 of the fighter jets landed at an Israeli base on Tuesday evening.
US unable to use UAE, Saudi territory
The use of Israeli bases occurs after the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have both announced they will not allow their airspace, territory, or territorial waters to be used for any military action against Iran.
The United Kingdom has also reportedly not yet given permission for the US to use its base in the region to attack Iran.
The F-22 jets were used alongside B-2 bombers and F-35s in last June’s Operation Midnight Hammer when the US attacked Iran’s nuclear site.
They are considered the world’s most advanced air superiority fighters. Although no longer in production, the aircraft remains highly classified, and the US Department of Defense has not made it available for sale to any foreign government.
Their deployment shows that Washington and Jerusalem are preparing for all possible outcomes of the peace talks taking place on Thursday.
Shir Perets contributed to this report