US F-18s, tankers deploy from Azores to CENTCOM

Twelve US Marine Corps F/A-18C Hornet fighter jets from the 312th Fighter-Squadron have deployed from Lajes Air Base in the Azores towards the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility. The aircraft were accompanied by KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling tankers from the US Air Force. This deployment is part of a broader US military buildup in the Middle East as tensions with Iran remain high and the effectiveness of diplomatic negotiations is questioned. The move adds significant carrier-based strike capability to the region, which already hosts three US aircraft carrier strike groups.