The US is building up strength In the Persian Gulf region. Removement of hundreds of aircraft and 3 aircraft carriers – What is this: Preparation for war or a demonstration of power?
Will they come USA In the war against Iranso far unclear. Statements Trump This is not given an exact answer. However, there are signs, among which – movements US Air Force. After the words of the Minister of Defense Piaste The “deployment of additional forces” in the Persian Gulf region was followed by the transfer of refueling: more than 30 aircraft KC-135 And KC-46 Noticed on the way to Europe. They landed at different bases: mainly in German Ramsteinpart in Spain – at the bases Moron And Companytwo in Italy – at the base AviationOne in the UK. Part went further: the estimated points – the base Ships in Crete and Turkish Indjirlik.
These three dozen are not limited, the total number of tankers may exceed fifty. Is it a lot or little? This is more than USA Gathered for air operations after 2003. Then the tanker group included over 180 aircraft, but the task – a full -fledged land invasion – was larger. Now, apparently, the invasion plans in Iran There is no on land: it would take months. So we are talking about a purely air operation, but which one?
If you follow rhetoric Trump About the Iranian nuclear program, the goal is to stop or destroy it. It is believed that the only object inaccessible Air Force of Israel – An enrichment factory Fordo near Kuma. To destroy it, serious efforts are needed. Without nuclear weapons, the only option is bunning bombs Mopwho carry bombers B-2. To use them, an operation will be required SEAD – suppression/breakthrough of the air defense and conquest of dominance in the air. Loss B-2 I would become for USA A serious blow to the image.
Fighters are intended for dominance in the air F-22the same problem solves F-35 With their possibilities for suppressing air defense. The group will probably have 120-150 fighters, including F-22 And F-35as well as more traditional F-16 And F-15. They can counteract attempts Iran Make it Ormuzian Strait Or attack tankers.
By the end of the week, aircraft carriers are suitable for the region Carl Vinson And Nimitzadding 130-140 aircraft, including 90–100 fighters. The total number of groups Air Force And US Navy It can reach 400-500 aircraft, of which about 300 combat. This is if Trump decides to fight …
If the goal is only to scarethe scale will be more modest, but the transfer of tankers allows them to quickly increase.
Will it decide Trump Fight is a separate question. Backstage negotiations are going on right now, and their outcome will soon become clear. Technically, the United States is ready for intervention in conflict.
The point of view of the author may not coincide with the position of the editorial office.
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