For the first time, the United States has deployed advanced Lockheed Martin F‑22 Raptor stealth fighter jets to Israel amid rising tensions over a potential conflict with Iran. According to multiple reports, around a dozen F-22s have landed at an Israeli airbase, marking a rare forward deployment of U.S. combat aircraft on Israeli soil as military buildup continues across the Middle East.

Historic Forward Deployment on Israeli Territory

Satellite imagery and reporting indicate that at least 11–12 U.S. F-22 Raptors have been deployed to the Ovda Airbase in southern Israel, after flying from the United Kingdom’s RAF Lakenheath.

This marks the first known instance of U.S. combat aircraft operating from Israeli bases amid preparations linked to the standoff with Iran, according to experts quoted in press reporting.

Strategic Context: Iran Nuclear Tensions and Military Posture

The F-22 deployment arrives alongside one of the most significant United States Central Command-led military buildups in the region in years, including naval assets such as the USS Gerald R. Ford strike group moving closer to the eastern Mediterranean.

Officials and analysts say the move is intended to enhance:

Defense of Israeli territory and protection of American forces
Deterrence against potential Iranian retaliation
Operational flexibility given restrictions on U.S. use of airspace in Saudi Arabia and the UAE for potential operations against Iran
Escalation posture as diplomatic talks on Iran’s nuclear program continue in Geneva between U.S. and Iranian negotiators.

Signaling and Regional Impact

The F-22 — one of the world’s most advanced stealth air superiority fighters — carries out air dominance, precision strike, and electronic warfare missions. Its deployment signals a substantial strengthening of military cooperation between the U.S. and Israel after decades in which permanent positioning of offensive U.S. air assets in Israeli territory was avoided for regional political reasons.

Israeli officials cited in reports believe the aircraft may play a deterrent role amid expectations of heightened conflict with Iran should diplomatic negotiations fail.

Ongoing Nuclear Talks and Military Build-Up

The deployment coincides with ongoing U.S.–Iran nuclear negotiations in Geneva, where hardline demands from Washington — including a zero-enrichment stance — have been reported. Despite talks, the FP-22 buildup underscores Washington’s readiness for contingencies if diplomacy falters.

Key Entities

Lockheed Martin F‑22 Raptor — Fifth-generation Stealth Fighter Jet
Israel — Host Nation for Deployment
Iran — Regional Opponent in Rising Tensions
Ovda Airbase — Airbase in Southern Israel Hosting Raptors
House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party — [Not in this report but default US context]
United States Central Command — U.S. Theatre Command for Middle East
USS Gerald R. Ford — U.S. Aircraft Carrier in Eastern Mediterranean

Final Verdict

The deployment of F-22 Raptors to Israel represents a historic and highly symbolic step in U.S. military posture amid the most serious standoff with Iran in years. It underscores Washington’s commitment to deterrence and defense in the region, while highlighting broader geopolitical shifts and the focus on strategic partnerships even as diplomatic efforts continue.