US to conduct air exercise in the Middle East

As tensions between Iran and the US continue, the US will conduct an air exercise in the Middle East. In a statement released by the US Air Forces Central (AFCENT), it was stated that "AFCENT will conduct a readiness exercise lasting several days to demonstrate its ability to deploy, maneuver, and sustain combat air power across the US Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility."

It was stated that the exercise in question is being conducted to increase asset and personnel distribution capacity, strengthen regional partnerships, and prepare for flexible response practices across CENTCOM.

AFCENT Commander and CENTCOM Combined Force Air Component Commander Derek France said, "Our airmen are proving they can disperse and operate with our partners, safely and precisely under challenging conditions, and execute combat sorties. This is about fulfilling our commitment to maintaining combat-ready airmen and sustaining the disciplined practice required to keep air power ready to be used where it is needed, when it is needed."

It was reported that the exercise will be conducted with the approval of the host nation, in close cooperation with civil and military aviation authorities, and in a safe and precise manner, with the principle of respect for sovereignty kept at the forefront.

The exercise was announced one day after CENTCOM stated that the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and its accompanying warships had arrived in the Middle East.

News Source: İHA