USAF F-22 Raptors Deployed to Saudi Air Base

The US Air Force F-22 Raptor seen flying in a Saudi Arabian air base in a video released on Tuesday indicates its deployment of the plane in the airfield.

In the US Air Forces Command Central video, the stealth plane can be spotted making a low pass over Saudi Arabia's Prince Sultan Air Base.

US military plans to send an F-22 squadron to Riyadh were reported in July. Following attack on Saudi oil facilities in September, the US announced it would deploy two fighter squadrons, one air expeditionary wing, two Patriot batteries, and one Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System to Saudi Arabia.

“The ability of fighter jets to operate at a variety of locations like PSAB demonstrates US Air Forces Central Command and US Central Command's commitment to providing a credible, capable and dynamic defense posture in the Middle East region,” a statement by the military accompanying the video, said.

On Tuesday, Defense Secretary Mark Esper met with F-22 air crews at the Saudi airbase from the 27th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va. Esper's visit was part of a Middle East tour that included stops in Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia.