U.S. deploys F-22 Raptor in month-long allied air exercise in Gulf

Having refused to provide the F-22 or even F-35 to Israel lest it use the warplanes to attack Iran’s nmuclear bomb plants. The United States is leading a major Gulf Arab air combat exercise that will be joined by Britain and France.

The U.S. Air Force has staged Exercise Iron Falcon for Gulf Cooperation Council states. The exercise was based in the United Arab Emirates and designed to enhance interoperability and combat skills.

For the exercise, the United States deployed the F-22 Raptor fighter-jet. The F-22 and F-16 multi-role fighters were being directed by the UAE Air Warfare Center.

“It shows our friends here in the UAE our commitment to this relationship by bringing our premier fighter to demonstrate here,” U.S. Air Force Deputy Undersecretary Bruce Lemkin said. Left unsaid is that it should get Iran’s attention, and warn it without issue a direct threat.

Officials said Iron Falcon would be conducted until Dec. 10. They said the U.S. Air Force would brief the six GCC militaries on the F-22, which has sparked interest by air forces in the Middle East. Inexplicably Obama has terminated production of the F-22 for U. S. forces.at a total force of 187 warplanes.

Iron Exercise was said to have begun around Nov. 10 in the UAE. The exercise was meant to include a range of missions, including air combat, search and rescue, tactical support and air space protection.

Officials said Britain and France were also expected to contribute assets to Iron Falcon. The UAE Air Warfare Center has been used by both European countries.

Lemkin, during a visit of the Dubai Airshow, said Washington and Abu Dhabi have identified opportunities to expand defense and military cooperation. Lemkin cited the development of the UAE Air Warfare Center, located at the Al Dhafra air base.

“Certainly from an exercise standpoint there’s lots of potential,” Lemkin said.