US deploying massive military assets to the Middle East
As Israel and Iran tether on brink of all-out war
The US is deploying additional ballistic missile defence destroyers, fighter aircraft squadrons, tanker aircraft, and B-52 long-range strike bombers to the Middle East region as tensions remain at their highest between Israel, Iran and its armed allies and proxies in Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq and Syria.
On November 1, 2024, US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin ordered the enhanced and unprecedented US military buildup in the volatile region, the latest after Israel recently mounted retaliatory airstrikes on Iran with over 100 combat aircraft in three sorties.
In a statement regarding the decision to deploy additional US military assets to the region, Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder noted: “The [US] Secretary of Defence has ordered additional ballistic missile defence systems, fighter squadrons, tanker aircraft, and US Air Force B-52 long-range strike bombers to the [Middle East] region. These forces are set to arrive in the coming months, coinciding with the planned departure of the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group from the region.
“This initiative builds on earlier decisions to deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) missile defence system to Israel, reinforcing the US commitment to Israel’s defence amidst escalating regional tensions.
“The Department of Defence has also maintained a robust Amphibious Ready Group Marine Expeditionary Unit (ARG/MEU) posture in the Eastern Mediterranean, showcasing the flexibility of the US global defence strategy. This capacity to rapidly deploy forces worldwide addresses evolving national security threats effectively,” said Ryder.
Quoting Austin, Ryder stated that any aggression by Iran, its allies, or proxies targeting American personnel or interests would provoke a decisive response from the US. He added that the message underlines a firm stance on protecting US citizens and military forces in the region, reaffirming America’s commitment to deterrence and diplomatic engagement.
$425 million military aid for Ukraine
On November 1, 2024, the US also announced a new tranche of security assistance for Ukraine, marking the 69th delivery of equipment since August 2021. The latest package, valued at approximately $425 million, addresses Ukraine’s urgent security needs as it continues to face challenges in its defence against Russian aggression.
The assistance will include critical military capabilities, such as air defence interceptors, munitions for rocket systems and artillery, armoured vehicles, and anti-tank weapons.
The newly announced capabilities destined for Ukraine comprise munitions for National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS), Stinger missiles, counter-unmanned aerial systems equipment, air-to-ground munitions, and ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS).
The US package will include 155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition, TOW missiles, Javelin and AT-4 anti-armour systems, Stryker armoured personnel carriers, medical and demolition equipment, spare parts, ancillary equipment, training, and transportation services.
Austin recently engaged with Ukrainian Minister of Defence Rustem Umerov to discuss battlefield dynamics and ongoing US support for the sovereign European nation’s defence against Russia.
During this conversation, Austin highlighted the scale and urgency of the US assistance being provided, emphasising the importance of effectively strengthening Ukraine’s industrial base to meet its defence needs.
The Pentagon’s latest actions demonstrate a commitment to addressing immediate threats in the Middle East and supporting Ukraine’s defence efforts against Russia. By enhancing military capabilities and facilitating extensive assistance, the US seeks to promote stability and deter aggression from hostile actors, reinforcing its role as a key player in global security dynamics.
Featured image: Aircrew members conduct pre-flight inspections of a US Air Force B-52H Stratofortress long-range strike bomber at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana on October 16, 2024. Credit: US Air Force
Last Updated on 1 month by Arnold Pinto
