Two Carriers, Dozens Of Jets: Decoding America's War Machine In The Middle East

Last Updated:February 28, 2026, 18:50 IST

The array of carriers, stealth fighters, air refuelling, and missile defence systems represents a comprehensive system that is ready to maintain a long strike if needed

The massive military presence of the United States in the Middle East is under scrutiny once again after Israel and America launched a joint offensive against Iran on Saturday, which, according to US President Donald Trump, targeted Iran’s naval and missile forces.

The massive military presence of the United States, which includes its naval, air, and land forces, is aimed at projecting its power.

Naval Power: Aircraft Carriers and Warships

The US Navy has deployed more than a dozen war vessels in the Middle East. These include:

Aircraft Carriers: The USS Abraham Lincoln is currently stationed in the Arabian Sea. The USS Gerald R Ford, the world’s biggest aircraft carrier, is currently stationed in the Mediterranean Sea. The carrier has recently made a port call at Souda Bay, Crete, before proceeding towards the western side of Haifa, Israel.

Destroyers and Littoral Combat Ships: Nine destroyers and three littoral combat ships

Aircraft carriers carry thousands of sailors and air groups with dozens of combat aircraft. The US has unmatched power with its aircraft carriers. The simultaneous presence of two aircraft carriers in the Middle East reflects the gravity of the situation.

Air Power: Fighter Jets And Refueling Aircraft

The United States has also deployed several warplanes in addition to air wings, as gathered from open-source intelligence gathered through flight tracking systems. These include stealth fighters such as F-22 Raptors, F-35 Lightning II; conventional fighters such as F-15, F-16; and air refuelling planes such as KC-135, which ensure long-range air operations. These enable the United States to strike targets deep inside Iran or even in the region, while also enjoying air supremacy.

Land-Based Air Defences

The US has strengthened its land-based air defence systems in the region, in addition to the destroyer-based missile defence systems. This multi-layered air defence system aims to neutralise incoming missiles and drones.

For example, in June 2025, Iranian missiles targeted a US base in Qatar after an attack on Iranian nuclear sites. All of the missiles were successfully intercepted.

Ground Forces: Bases And Personnel

Although it is unlikely that American troops will be engaged in offensive operations, tens of thousands of troops are stationed at strategic bases. These troops are potential targets of Iranian counterattacks.

Some of the major American bases are:

Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar: It is an important base for operations in the region.

Al Dhafra Air Base, UAE: Fighter aircraft and refueling aircraft are stationed here.

Camp Arifjan and Camp Buehring, Kuwait: These are logistics and personnel bases.

Other strategic American bases are located in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Iraq. These bases are crucial for rapid troop deployment and projection of force. In addition, these bases are used for command centres of naval, air, and missile operations.

Strategic Significance

The US military presence in the Middle East has several purposes:

• Deterrence: To demonstrate to Iran and other enemies in the region that it is ready to strike back immediately.

• Rapid Strike Capability: To strike key infrastructure or military installations.

• Protection of Allies and Trade Routes: To ensure safety in the Gulf or Arabian Sea, which is vital for international trade.

The array of carriers, stealth fighters, air refuelling, and missile defence systems represents a comprehensive system that is ready to maintain a long strike if needed.

News explainers Two Carriers, Dozens Of Jets: Decoding America's War Machine In The Middle East

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