US Deploys F-22 Raptors Jets in UAE to Counter Yemeni Missile Attacks

The US Air Force F-22 Raptors arrived at Al Dhafra Air Base, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Saturday as part of a demonstration of U.S. support after a series of attacks throughout January threatened U.S. and Emirati armed forces in the Persian Gulf nation.

The F-22 deployment follows that of six French Rafale jets to help Abu Dhabi counter attacks by the Houti rebels in Yemen who are opposing a Middle East coalition led by Saudi Arabia which includes the UAE.

The number of F-22 aircraft deployed to the UAE was not specified but a USAF handout photo revealed six Raptor jets parked one behind the other.

In addition to the F-22 jets, the US Department of Defense has also sent the guided missile destroyer USS Cole to partner with the UAE Navy. It is now docked in Abu Dhabi and will continue to provide early warning intelligence, and collaborate on air defense.

The Secretary of Defense ordered the rapid deployment of the fifth-generation aircraft in coordination with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the UAE and will join a range of joint, coalition and allied and partner combat airpower capabilities already based across the region, a Pentagon release said.

“The unparalleled capabilities of the F-22 in a variety of missions, as well as its ability to interoperate with joint, coalition, allied and partner forces make it ideally suited to serve in the Middle East region during this critical time,” said Lt. Gen. Greg Guillot, 9th AF (AFCENT) commander.

“The Raptors’ presence will bolster already strong partner nation defenses and puts destabilizing forces on notice that the U.S. and our partners are committed to enabling peace and stability in the region.”