OMM Newsroom
A new wave of US military cargo flights to Israel may signal preparations to deploy an additional Patriot air defense battery, according to open-source flight-tracking observations reported by Anadolu Agency.
At least six US Air Force C-17A Globemaster III aircraft carrying air defense equipment began a second wave of flights from Biggs Army Airfield at Fort Bliss, Texas, to Ovda Air Base in southern Israel.
The latest movements were observed Tuesday, following eight C-17 flights that arrived at Ovda last week. Once the second group completes its journey, the total number of flights from Biggs to Ovda is expected to reach 16, according to open-source intelligence.
The volume of flights could indicate preparations to deploy a complete Patriot air defense battery rather than a minimum engagement package, or MEP. The MEP consists of a contingent capable of conducting air and missile defense operations anywhere in the CENTCOM area of responsibility within a maximum of 96 hours.
Further preparations were also observed at Biggs Army Airfield. Another C-17, operating under the call sign REACH 324, departed Monday for Gander International Airport in Canada. The flight was separate from the eight earlier flights to Israel and suggested that another Patriot system deployment could be in preparation.
Other US military flights across the region
Open-source flight tracking also recorded further US military cargo aircraft movements across the Middle East and Europe. C-17 aircraft stationed at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar since the beginning of the war departed on Nov. 1 for Ramstein and Spangdahlem air bases in Germany.
Another C-17 flew Tuesday from Pope Army Airfield in North Carolina to Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. Two other aircraft departed the Kuwaiti base for Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona.
The US military also continued withdrawing support equipment from RAF Fairford in the UK, with two C-17 aircraft leaving over a 48-hour period. One flew to Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, while the other headed to Pease Air National Guard Base in New Hampshire.
Two US Navy flights to Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates were also recorded.
The movements point to a significant US military airlift operation involving Israel and the wider Middle East, but the deployment of a complete Patriot battery has not been independently confirmed.
