The Intel Crab (Twitter)
RT @5472_nde: RRR9103 #RAF Voyager climbing out of Charleston 1448z https://twitter.com/5472_nde/status/1483451391662333955/photo/1
RT @5472_nde: RRR9103 #RAF Voyager climbing out of Charleston 1448z https://twitter.com/5472_nde/status/1483451391662333955/photo/1
The Intel Crab
RT @no_itsmyturn: https://t.co/ZBIX1jm9Se
tweet
RT @no_itsmyturn: https://t.co/ZBIX1jm9Se
Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon airborne above #Romania close to the #Ukraine border.
#RAF https://t.co/jNDiApyx5y - PAK Intel Monitortweet
Twitter
PAK Intel Monitor
Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon airborne above #Romania close to the #Ukraine border. #RAF
The Intel Crab
RT @5472_nde: RRR7223 #RAF RC135 and NATO01 #NATO E3 #AWACS active over Poland. #UkraineWar 1418z https://t.co/93HrqboOyX
tweet
RT @5472_nde: RRR7223 #RAF RC135 and NATO01 #NATO E3 #AWACS active over Poland. #UkraineWar 1418z https://t.co/93HrqboOyX
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OSINTdefender
RT @Sierra__Alpha: NATO Quick Reaction Alert Scramble. https://t.co/ZDKY1HEyXv
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RT @Sierra__Alpha: NATO Quick Reaction Alert Scramble. https://t.co/ZDKY1HEyXv
⚠️ ⚠️ NATO QRA Out Of Lithuania 🇱🇹 ⚠️⚠️
#RAF - Airbus Voyager KC3 - #ZZ334 - #RRR2827
Departed From Vilnius International Airport 🇱🇹 & Operating Under #NATO Policing Squawk 1321. https://t.co/T7uSBmhKBr - SkyScanWorld🛰️✈️🚁tweet
Twitter
SkyScanWorld🛰️✈️🚁
⚠️ ⚠️ NATO QRA Out Of Lithuania 🇱🇹 ⚠️⚠️ #RAF - Airbus Voyager KC3 - #ZZ334 - #RRR2827 Departed From Vilnius International Airport 🇱🇹 & Operating Under #NATO Policing Squawk 1321.
WarMonitor 🇺🇲🇺🇦
RT @scan_sky: ⚠️ ⚠️ NATO QRA Out Of Lithuania 🇱🇹 ⚠️⚠️
#RAF - Airbus Voyager KC3 - #ZZ334 - #RRR2827
Departed From Vilnius International Airport 🇱🇹 & Operating Under #NATO Policing Squawk 1321. https://t.co/T7uSBmhKBr
tweet
RT @scan_sky: ⚠️ ⚠️ NATO QRA Out Of Lithuania 🇱🇹 ⚠️⚠️
#RAF - Airbus Voyager KC3 - #ZZ334 - #RRR2827
Departed From Vilnius International Airport 🇱🇹 & Operating Under #NATO Policing Squawk 1321. https://t.co/T7uSBmhKBr
tweet
Twitter
SkyScanWorld🛰️✈️🚁
⚠️ ⚠️ NATO QRA Out Of Lithuania 🇱🇹 ⚠️⚠️ #RAF - Airbus Voyager KC3 - #ZZ334 - #RRR2827 Departed From Vilnius International Airport 🇱🇹 & Operating Under #NATO Policing Squawk 1321.
The Intel Crab
RT @scan_sky: #RAF 🇬🇧 - RC-135W Rivet Joint - #ZZ664 - #RRR7231
Heading Out To The Black Sea Region For A Tasking 🕵️ After Refuelling With -
#USAF 🇺🇸 - KC-135R - 62-3562 - #BART20 Over Romania 🇷🇴
#ZZ664 Will Also Receive An Escort From #PSYCHO Flight (#RAF 🇬🇧 Typhoons) From RAF Akrotiri 🇨🇾 https://t.co/RWmcGeMz2j
tweet
RT @scan_sky: #RAF 🇬🇧 - RC-135W Rivet Joint - #ZZ664 - #RRR7231
Heading Out To The Black Sea Region For A Tasking 🕵️ After Refuelling With -
#USAF 🇺🇸 - KC-135R - 62-3562 - #BART20 Over Romania 🇷🇴
#ZZ664 Will Also Receive An Escort From #PSYCHO Flight (#RAF 🇬🇧 Typhoons) From RAF Akrotiri 🇨🇾 https://t.co/RWmcGeMz2j
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OSINT
Photo
OSINTdefender
RT @ArmchairAdml: #USAF United States Air Force / #RAF Royal Air Force - Middle East Activity
22 January 2026 - 2300z
In the past few hours there has been confirmation from the British Ministry of Defence that No. 12 Squadron RAF has deployed to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Additionally, a third tanker from MacDill AFB has filed, this time for Ramstein.
Note: All the information in these posts is obtained via public sources (FlightRadar24/ADS-B/ACARS), and discrete movements are omitted.
Royal Air Force Deployment
Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4 4x
#43C6D5 ZK322 - ASCOT 9614 (RAF Coningsby)
#43C70C ZK350 - ASCOT 9613 (RAF Coningsby)
#43C7A9 ZK432 - ASCOT 9612 (RAF Coningsby)
#43C77D ZK354 - ASCOT 9611 (RAF Coningsby)
Airbus KC.2 Voyager 1x
#43C6F3 ZZ330 - ASCOT 9203 (RAF Akrotiri)
Four Typhoon FGR.4's as ASCOT 9611 flight which arrived at RAF Akrotiri on 20 January have now moved on to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, supported by ASCOT 9203. According to the Ministry of Defence, this deployment of No 12 Squadron (joint RAF-Qatari), was at the invitation of the Government of Qatar in order to boost their defences.
This should leave four Typhoon's in Saudi Arabia for exercises, four in Qatar, and at least three at Akrotiri, a total of 11 Typhoon's deployed in the Middle East. Additionally, ZZ330 is based at Akrotiri to provide tanker support.
Tanker Movements
#AE014C 63-8025 - REACH 893 (MacDill AFB)
REACH 893 has filed for Ramstein Air Base in Germany, on the same mission code as REACH 892/891 which arrived in Qatar today via RAF Mildenhall. Interestingly this flight is going via Ramstein, despite Mildenhall now being empty of visitors.
Summary
By my estimates there are at least 79 United States Air Force and Royal Air Force aircraft in the Middle East.
Fighters: ~47
F-15E Strike Eagle: 36
Typhoon FGR.4: 11/12
Tankers: ~21
KC-135 Stratotanker: 19 (inc REACH 893)
KC-46 Pegasus: 1
KC.2 Voyager: 1
Transport: ~10
C-17 Globemaster: 5
C-130 Super Hercules: 5
Any additions or corrections please let me know. Thanks!
Photos: @havoc_aviation
@MATA_osint @DefenceGeek @sipjack1776 @TheIntelFrog @CivIntelUK @Andyyyyrrrr @vcdgf555 @USAF_VIP_LGX @TBrit90 @Osinttechnical @UKForcesTracker
#USAF United States Air Force - Middle East Activity
22 January 2026 - 1100z
Things have begun to calm down slightly over the past 24 hours. We've seen two tanker movements into the Middle East, and I've discounted two from the list. Additionally, more C-17's between RAF Lakenheath, Ramstein and Jordan.
Note: All the information in these posts is obtained via public sources (FlightRadar24/ADS-B/ACARS), and discrete movements are omitted.
Tanker Movements
#AE0152 63-8034 - REACH 892 (MacDill AFB)
#AE07AE 61-0267 - REACH 891 (MacDill AFB)
#AE07A9 59-1515 - REACH 312 (Fairchild AFB)
#AE049B 61-0313 - REACH 313 (Fairchild AFB)
REACH 891/892 which arrived over the past two days at RAF Mildenhall have now departed for Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. REACH 892 had underwing drogue pods, and REACH 891 had a boom-drogue adapter. Both aircraft were unmarked.
REACH 312/313 appear to have flown to Greenland - see post in replies for more details on this.
Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan
#AE146E 07-7176 - REACH 417 (Dover AFB)
#AE145F 06-6161 - REACH 842 (RAF Lakenheath)
Two arrivals into Salti, REACH 417 from Dover AFB that doesn't appear to have gone anywhere else interesting on it's journey, and another flight from RAF Lakenheath - REACH 842.
Ramstein Air Base, Germany
#AE1198 03-3115 - REACH 869 (RAF Lakenheath)
REACH 869 has returned to Ramstein from RAF Lakenheath. It had been on the ground at Lakenheath since 20 January.
Unknown Final Location / Potential Involvement
#AE1467 07-7169 - REACH 344 (Hill AFB)
REACH 344 from Hill AFB arrived at Dover yesterday. This is an interesting flight as it has the same mission code as the flights in-and-out of RAF Lakenheath.
Summary
Current numbers since 16 Ja[...]
RT @ArmchairAdml: #USAF United States Air Force / #RAF Royal Air Force - Middle East Activity
22 January 2026 - 2300z
In the past few hours there has been confirmation from the British Ministry of Defence that No. 12 Squadron RAF has deployed to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Additionally, a third tanker from MacDill AFB has filed, this time for Ramstein.
Note: All the information in these posts is obtained via public sources (FlightRadar24/ADS-B/ACARS), and discrete movements are omitted.
Royal Air Force Deployment
Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4 4x
#43C6D5 ZK322 - ASCOT 9614 (RAF Coningsby)
#43C70C ZK350 - ASCOT 9613 (RAF Coningsby)
#43C7A9 ZK432 - ASCOT 9612 (RAF Coningsby)
#43C77D ZK354 - ASCOT 9611 (RAF Coningsby)
Airbus KC.2 Voyager 1x
#43C6F3 ZZ330 - ASCOT 9203 (RAF Akrotiri)
Four Typhoon FGR.4's as ASCOT 9611 flight which arrived at RAF Akrotiri on 20 January have now moved on to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, supported by ASCOT 9203. According to the Ministry of Defence, this deployment of No 12 Squadron (joint RAF-Qatari), was at the invitation of the Government of Qatar in order to boost their defences.
This should leave four Typhoon's in Saudi Arabia for exercises, four in Qatar, and at least three at Akrotiri, a total of 11 Typhoon's deployed in the Middle East. Additionally, ZZ330 is based at Akrotiri to provide tanker support.
Tanker Movements
#AE014C 63-8025 - REACH 893 (MacDill AFB)
REACH 893 has filed for Ramstein Air Base in Germany, on the same mission code as REACH 892/891 which arrived in Qatar today via RAF Mildenhall. Interestingly this flight is going via Ramstein, despite Mildenhall now being empty of visitors.
Summary
By my estimates there are at least 79 United States Air Force and Royal Air Force aircraft in the Middle East.
Fighters: ~47
F-15E Strike Eagle: 36
Typhoon FGR.4: 11/12
Tankers: ~21
KC-135 Stratotanker: 19 (inc REACH 893)
KC-46 Pegasus: 1
KC.2 Voyager: 1
Transport: ~10
C-17 Globemaster: 5
C-130 Super Hercules: 5
Any additions or corrections please let me know. Thanks!
Photos: @havoc_aviation
@MATA_osint @DefenceGeek @sipjack1776 @TheIntelFrog @CivIntelUK @Andyyyyrrrr @vcdgf555 @USAF_VIP_LGX @TBrit90 @Osinttechnical @UKForcesTracker
#USAF United States Air Force - Middle East Activity
22 January 2026 - 1100z
Things have begun to calm down slightly over the past 24 hours. We've seen two tanker movements into the Middle East, and I've discounted two from the list. Additionally, more C-17's between RAF Lakenheath, Ramstein and Jordan.
Note: All the information in these posts is obtained via public sources (FlightRadar24/ADS-B/ACARS), and discrete movements are omitted.
Tanker Movements
#AE0152 63-8034 - REACH 892 (MacDill AFB)
#AE07AE 61-0267 - REACH 891 (MacDill AFB)
#AE07A9 59-1515 - REACH 312 (Fairchild AFB)
#AE049B 61-0313 - REACH 313 (Fairchild AFB)
REACH 891/892 which arrived over the past two days at RAF Mildenhall have now departed for Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. REACH 892 had underwing drogue pods, and REACH 891 had a boom-drogue adapter. Both aircraft were unmarked.
REACH 312/313 appear to have flown to Greenland - see post in replies for more details on this.
Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan
#AE146E 07-7176 - REACH 417 (Dover AFB)
#AE145F 06-6161 - REACH 842 (RAF Lakenheath)
Two arrivals into Salti, REACH 417 from Dover AFB that doesn't appear to have gone anywhere else interesting on it's journey, and another flight from RAF Lakenheath - REACH 842.
Ramstein Air Base, Germany
#AE1198 03-3115 - REACH 869 (RAF Lakenheath)
REACH 869 has returned to Ramstein from RAF Lakenheath. It had been on the ground at Lakenheath since 20 January.
Unknown Final Location / Potential Involvement
#AE1467 07-7169 - REACH 344 (Hill AFB)
REACH 344 from Hill AFB arrived at Dover yesterday. This is an interesting flight as it has the same mission code as the flights in-and-out of RAF Lakenheath.
Summary
Current numbers since 16 Ja[...]
OSINT
Photo
OSINTdefender
RT @ArmchairAdml: #USAF United States Air Force / #RAF Royal Air Force - Middle East Activity
24 January 2026 - 1300z
There has again been an increase in both tanker and transport activity in the past 18 hours. Currently, no additional fighter aircraft have been moved, nor tankers positioning on CORONET missions, but tankers do seem to be repositioning.
I've changed the format of the table as it's getting complicated. It is now split between Transport Movements (C-17/C-5), Tankers (KC-135/KC-46/KC.2/KC.3), and Fighter Movements (RAF/USAF).
Note: All the information in these posts is obtained via public sources (FlightRadar24/ADS-B/ACARS), and discrete movements are omitted.
Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 1x
#AE1467 07-7169 - REACH 344 (Hill AFB)
REACH 344 has arrived in Jordan from Hill AFB, confirming it's involvement in the build-up. Reminder that Hill AFB is home to three squadrons of F-35A's. This brings the total number of C-17's from bases housing F-15E's and F-35A's to fourteen, and twenty-five to this one base in Jordan in total.
Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 3x
#AE2FA6 08-8194 - REACH 857 (Kadena AB)
#AE10B5 01-0186 - REACH 930 (Dover AFB)
#AE1459 06-6155 - REACH 345 (Pearl Harbor)
Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker 2x
#AE05A8 62-3551 - REACH 894 (MacDill AFB)
#AE014C 63-8025 - REACH 893 (MacDill AFB)
An additional three C-17's have arrived in Qatar, from Kadena Air Base in Japan, Dover AFB, and Pearl Harbor. Reminder there are two flights on the same mission code from Pearl, with the other currently at Ramstein.
Two more KC-135's from MacDill AFB, bringing the total to four in the past two days.
Tanker Positioning
#AE063F 57-1441 - Unknown C/S (Al Udeid)
#AE0859 59-1506 - Unknown C/S (Al Udeid)
#AE025F 61-0280 - REACH 135 (March ARB)
Two KC-135 have repositioned from Al Udeid to Moron in Spain, as well as REACH 135 deploying out from March ARB.
Other Locations
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 2x
#AE1465 06-6167 - REACH 577 (Robert Gray AA)
#AE080E 99-0168 - REACH 253 (Offutt AFB)
The first of six flights from Robert Gray Army Airfield have arrived at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. Additionally, REACH 253 from Offutt AFB has arrived at RAF Mildenhall, possibly suggesting a deployment of RC-135 aircraft is upcoming to either Europe or the Middle East.
Summary
I believe the most interesting movement of the past 24 hours is the two KC-135's positioning to Moron from Al Udeid. Hypothetically, a bombing run from CONUS would need to refuel around the point of Moron. There were four refuelling points for the B-2's during midnight hammer, but given the mission here it's unlikely they'd be carrying such a heavy payload, and therefore require less fuel.
Finally, it appears that two KC-135's are returning home from Al Udeid. They arrived in Belfast this morning.
Any additions or corrections please let me know. Thanks!
Photos: @havoc_aviation
@MATA_osint @DefenceGeek @sipjack1776 @TheIntelFrog @Andyyyyrrrr @vcdgf555 @sentdefender @Osinttechnical @FaytuksNetwork @Faytuks
#USAF United States Air Force / #RAF Royal Air Force - Middle East Activity
23 January 2026 - 1750z
Busy day of C-17 movements, primarily from Robert Gray Army Airfield to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, as well as others.
Note: All the information in these posts is obtained via public sources (FlightRadar24/ADS-B/ACARS), and discrete movements are omitted.
Tanker/Fighter Movements
Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker 2x
#AE05A8 62-3551 - REACH 894 (MacDill AFB)
#AE04C4 59-1475 - GOLD 13 (RAF Mildenhall)
Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle 1x
#AE17A0 91-0326 - TABOR 87
An additional KC-135 departed MacDill AFB shortly after my update yesterday, also to Ramstein. Also, what looks to be a replacement F-15E headed to Jordan, supported by GOLD 13 from RAF Mildenhall this morning.
Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan
#AE1198 03-3115 - REACH 869 (RAF Lakenheath)
REACH 869 arrived[...]
RT @ArmchairAdml: #USAF United States Air Force / #RAF Royal Air Force - Middle East Activity
24 January 2026 - 1300z
There has again been an increase in both tanker and transport activity in the past 18 hours. Currently, no additional fighter aircraft have been moved, nor tankers positioning on CORONET missions, but tankers do seem to be repositioning.
I've changed the format of the table as it's getting complicated. It is now split between Transport Movements (C-17/C-5), Tankers (KC-135/KC-46/KC.2/KC.3), and Fighter Movements (RAF/USAF).
Note: All the information in these posts is obtained via public sources (FlightRadar24/ADS-B/ACARS), and discrete movements are omitted.
Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 1x
#AE1467 07-7169 - REACH 344 (Hill AFB)
REACH 344 has arrived in Jordan from Hill AFB, confirming it's involvement in the build-up. Reminder that Hill AFB is home to three squadrons of F-35A's. This brings the total number of C-17's from bases housing F-15E's and F-35A's to fourteen, and twenty-five to this one base in Jordan in total.
Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 3x
#AE2FA6 08-8194 - REACH 857 (Kadena AB)
#AE10B5 01-0186 - REACH 930 (Dover AFB)
#AE1459 06-6155 - REACH 345 (Pearl Harbor)
Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker 2x
#AE05A8 62-3551 - REACH 894 (MacDill AFB)
#AE014C 63-8025 - REACH 893 (MacDill AFB)
An additional three C-17's have arrived in Qatar, from Kadena Air Base in Japan, Dover AFB, and Pearl Harbor. Reminder there are two flights on the same mission code from Pearl, with the other currently at Ramstein.
Two more KC-135's from MacDill AFB, bringing the total to four in the past two days.
Tanker Positioning
#AE063F 57-1441 - Unknown C/S (Al Udeid)
#AE0859 59-1506 - Unknown C/S (Al Udeid)
#AE025F 61-0280 - REACH 135 (March ARB)
Two KC-135 have repositioned from Al Udeid to Moron in Spain, as well as REACH 135 deploying out from March ARB.
Other Locations
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 2x
#AE1465 06-6167 - REACH 577 (Robert Gray AA)
#AE080E 99-0168 - REACH 253 (Offutt AFB)
The first of six flights from Robert Gray Army Airfield have arrived at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. Additionally, REACH 253 from Offutt AFB has arrived at RAF Mildenhall, possibly suggesting a deployment of RC-135 aircraft is upcoming to either Europe or the Middle East.
Summary
I believe the most interesting movement of the past 24 hours is the two KC-135's positioning to Moron from Al Udeid. Hypothetically, a bombing run from CONUS would need to refuel around the point of Moron. There were four refuelling points for the B-2's during midnight hammer, but given the mission here it's unlikely they'd be carrying such a heavy payload, and therefore require less fuel.
Finally, it appears that two KC-135's are returning home from Al Udeid. They arrived in Belfast this morning.
Any additions or corrections please let me know. Thanks!
Photos: @havoc_aviation
@MATA_osint @DefenceGeek @sipjack1776 @TheIntelFrog @Andyyyyrrrr @vcdgf555 @sentdefender @Osinttechnical @FaytuksNetwork @Faytuks
#USAF United States Air Force / #RAF Royal Air Force - Middle East Activity
23 January 2026 - 1750z
Busy day of C-17 movements, primarily from Robert Gray Army Airfield to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, as well as others.
Note: All the information in these posts is obtained via public sources (FlightRadar24/ADS-B/ACARS), and discrete movements are omitted.
Tanker/Fighter Movements
Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker 2x
#AE05A8 62-3551 - REACH 894 (MacDill AFB)
#AE04C4 59-1475 - GOLD 13 (RAF Mildenhall)
Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle 1x
#AE17A0 91-0326 - TABOR 87
An additional KC-135 departed MacDill AFB shortly after my update yesterday, also to Ramstein. Also, what looks to be a replacement F-15E headed to Jordan, supported by GOLD 13 from RAF Mildenhall this morning.
Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan
#AE1198 03-3115 - REACH 869 (RAF Lakenheath)
REACH 869 arrived[...]
OSINT
Photo
Faytuks News
A total of 109 USAF C-17's have arrived/filed/en route to six bases in the Middle East, with a further 9 in progress
#USAF United States Air Force / #RAF Royal Air Force - Middle East Activity
6 February 2026 - 1900z
A total of one hundred and nine C-17's have arrived/filed/en route to six bases in the Middle East, with a further nine in progress flights. Additionally, there has been movement of Royal Air Force F-35B's from RAF Marham to RAF Akrotiri, as well as a number of Typhoon FGR.4's returning from Saudi Arabia.
NOTE: All information is obtained via public sources (ADS-B/ACARS), and this list is by no means exhaustive.
As things stand, the RAF currently have the following aircraft at RAF Akrotiri and in Qatar:
Typhoon FGR.4: 14 (10x Akrotiri, 4x Qatar)
F-35B: 6x (Akrotiri)
Voyager: 2x (Akrotiri)
This is the current breakdown for USAF flights into the CENTCOM AOR:
Arrived/En Route/Filed via ACARS: 109
Muwaffaq Salti Air Base: 64
Al Udeid Air Base: 13
Prince Sultan Air Base: 13
Diego Garcia NSF: 9
Ali Al Salem Air Base: 7
Isa Air Base: 3
Pending flights: 9
Biggs Army Airfield: 4
Robert Gray Army Airfield: 3
Anniston Army Depot: 1
Francis S. Gabreski ANGB: 1
RAF Akrotiri, Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia
Airbus KC.2/3 Voyager 2x
#43C6F7 ZZ334 - ASCOT 9221
#43C6F4 ZZ331 - ASCOT 9968
Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II 6x
Cell 1: RAFAIR 9641-9644
Cell 2: RAFAIR 9645-9646
Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4 4x
#43C784 ZK361 - ASCOT 9964X
#43C794 ZK366 - ASCOT 9965X
#43C7A3 ZK426 - ASCOT 9966X
#43C792 ZK364 - ASCOT 9967X
RAF Akrotiri is a busy base at the moment. There are already six Typhoon FGR.4's based there for Operation Shader duties, and today the four that participated in exercises in Saudi Arabia have returned - it's possible these will return home to the U.K. in the coming days.
Six F-35B's from RAF Marham departed today for Akrotiri, and tanker ASCOT 9221 came with them. There are now two tankers at Akrotiri. Again, it's possible one of these will depart with the four Typhoon's on exercises.
Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 6x
#AE145E 06-6160 - REACH 844 (Biggs AAF)
#AE2FA2 08-8190 - REACH 849 (Biggs AAF)
#AE146E 07-7176 - REACH 835 (Roosevelt Roads NAS)
#AE2FAD 08-8201 - REACH 801 (Roosevelt Roads NAS)
#AE145A 06-6156 - REACH 827 (Roosevelt Roads NAS)
#AE145F 06-6161 - REACH 891 (Roosevelt Roads NAS)
Six arrivals into Salti today. The movements from Roosevelt Roads Naval Air Station in Puerto Rico appear to now be complete. Two additional flights in from Biggs Army Airfield too.
Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia
Lockheed C-5 Super Galaxy 1x
#AE0577 86-0026 - REACH 1831
REACH 1831 arrived at Prince Sultan from Robert Gray Army Airfield today. This is the twelfth into Prince Sultan from Robert Gray, and fourth C-5.
Other Airlift Movements
Lockheed C-5 Super Galaxy 2x
#AE0589 87-0044 - REACH 1829 (Robert Gray AAF)
#AE057D 87-0032 - REACH 1830 (Robert Gray AAF)
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III
#AE1177 - 02-1105 - REACH 274 (Anniston Army Depot)
#AE49C5 - 09-9209 - REACH 804 (Biggs AAF)
Additional flights from Robert Gray and Biggs Army Airfields. Also, there is now a flight from Anniston Army Depot - it will be interesting to see if there are more flights from here in the next few days.
Tanker Movements
We still haven't seen anything major in terms of tanker movements. REACH 787 departed Naval Station Rota after being stuck for a few days. GOLD 41 also departed, headed back to Bangor Air National Guard Base.
Currently there are three tankers positioned at Bangor:
#AE04CC 62-3499 - GOLD 83
#AE0506 61-0293 - GOLD 82
#AE5FAE 15-46067 - GOLD 41
GOLD 82/83 are on Coronet East 035 moving "VT" F-35A's, whereas GOLD 41 is on 037 moving E/A-18Gs. I'm unsure as to why GOLD 41 has moved from Moron to Bangor, considering the two remaining E/A-18's are still at Moron.
Any additions or corrections please let me know. Thank[...]
A total of 109 USAF C-17's have arrived/filed/en route to six bases in the Middle East, with a further 9 in progress
#USAF United States Air Force / #RAF Royal Air Force - Middle East Activity
6 February 2026 - 1900z
A total of one hundred and nine C-17's have arrived/filed/en route to six bases in the Middle East, with a further nine in progress flights. Additionally, there has been movement of Royal Air Force F-35B's from RAF Marham to RAF Akrotiri, as well as a number of Typhoon FGR.4's returning from Saudi Arabia.
NOTE: All information is obtained via public sources (ADS-B/ACARS), and this list is by no means exhaustive.
As things stand, the RAF currently have the following aircraft at RAF Akrotiri and in Qatar:
Typhoon FGR.4: 14 (10x Akrotiri, 4x Qatar)
F-35B: 6x (Akrotiri)
Voyager: 2x (Akrotiri)
This is the current breakdown for USAF flights into the CENTCOM AOR:
Arrived/En Route/Filed via ACARS: 109
Muwaffaq Salti Air Base: 64
Al Udeid Air Base: 13
Prince Sultan Air Base: 13
Diego Garcia NSF: 9
Ali Al Salem Air Base: 7
Isa Air Base: 3
Pending flights: 9
Biggs Army Airfield: 4
Robert Gray Army Airfield: 3
Anniston Army Depot: 1
Francis S. Gabreski ANGB: 1
RAF Akrotiri, Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia
Airbus KC.2/3 Voyager 2x
#43C6F7 ZZ334 - ASCOT 9221
#43C6F4 ZZ331 - ASCOT 9968
Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II 6x
Cell 1: RAFAIR 9641-9644
Cell 2: RAFAIR 9645-9646
Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4 4x
#43C784 ZK361 - ASCOT 9964X
#43C794 ZK366 - ASCOT 9965X
#43C7A3 ZK426 - ASCOT 9966X
#43C792 ZK364 - ASCOT 9967X
RAF Akrotiri is a busy base at the moment. There are already six Typhoon FGR.4's based there for Operation Shader duties, and today the four that participated in exercises in Saudi Arabia have returned - it's possible these will return home to the U.K. in the coming days.
Six F-35B's from RAF Marham departed today for Akrotiri, and tanker ASCOT 9221 came with them. There are now two tankers at Akrotiri. Again, it's possible one of these will depart with the four Typhoon's on exercises.
Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 6x
#AE145E 06-6160 - REACH 844 (Biggs AAF)
#AE2FA2 08-8190 - REACH 849 (Biggs AAF)
#AE146E 07-7176 - REACH 835 (Roosevelt Roads NAS)
#AE2FAD 08-8201 - REACH 801 (Roosevelt Roads NAS)
#AE145A 06-6156 - REACH 827 (Roosevelt Roads NAS)
#AE145F 06-6161 - REACH 891 (Roosevelt Roads NAS)
Six arrivals into Salti today. The movements from Roosevelt Roads Naval Air Station in Puerto Rico appear to now be complete. Two additional flights in from Biggs Army Airfield too.
Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia
Lockheed C-5 Super Galaxy 1x
#AE0577 86-0026 - REACH 1831
REACH 1831 arrived at Prince Sultan from Robert Gray Army Airfield today. This is the twelfth into Prince Sultan from Robert Gray, and fourth C-5.
Other Airlift Movements
Lockheed C-5 Super Galaxy 2x
#AE0589 87-0044 - REACH 1829 (Robert Gray AAF)
#AE057D 87-0032 - REACH 1830 (Robert Gray AAF)
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III
#AE1177 - 02-1105 - REACH 274 (Anniston Army Depot)
#AE49C5 - 09-9209 - REACH 804 (Biggs AAF)
Additional flights from Robert Gray and Biggs Army Airfields. Also, there is now a flight from Anniston Army Depot - it will be interesting to see if there are more flights from here in the next few days.
Tanker Movements
We still haven't seen anything major in terms of tanker movements. REACH 787 departed Naval Station Rota after being stuck for a few days. GOLD 41 also departed, headed back to Bangor Air National Guard Base.
Currently there are three tankers positioned at Bangor:
#AE04CC 62-3499 - GOLD 83
#AE0506 61-0293 - GOLD 82
#AE5FAE 15-46067 - GOLD 41
GOLD 82/83 are on Coronet East 035 moving "VT" F-35A's, whereas GOLD 41 is on 037 moving E/A-18Gs. I'm unsure as to why GOLD 41 has moved from Moron to Bangor, considering the two remaining E/A-18's are still at Moron.
Any additions or corrections please let me know. Thank[...]
OSINT
Photo
Faytuks News
"A total of 112 U.S. Air Force C-17's have now either arrived or are en route to the Middle East with a further 17-18 in-progress flights"
#USAF United States Air Force / #RAF Royal Air Force - Middle East Activity
7 February 2026 - 1700z
A total of 112 U.S. Air Force C-17's have now either arrived or are en route to the Middle East with a further 17-18 in-progress flights, a number of Royal Air Force logistics flights from RAF Marham to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, and movement on U.S. Air Force CORONETs
NOTE: All information is obtained via public sources (ADS-B/ACARS), and this list is by no means exhaustive.
Arrived/En Route/Filed via ACARS: 112
Muwaffaq Salti Air Base: 67
Al Udeid Air Base: 13
Prince Sultan Air Base: 13
Diego Garcia NSF: 9
Ali Al Salem Air Base: 7
Isa Air Base: 3
Pending flights: 17
Biggs Army Airfield: 6
Robert Gray Army Airfield: 5
Pope Army Airfield: 2
Hickam AFB: 1
North Island NAS: 1
Anniston Army Depot: 1
Francis S. Gabreski ANGB: 1
Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 3x
#AE1242 04-4137 - REACH 215 (Anniston Army Depot)
#AE145B 06-6157 - REACH 842 (Biggs AAF)
#AE2FA5 08-8193 - REACH 860 (Biggs AAF)
REACH 860 has arrived in Jordan, with REACH 842 having diverted to Nuremberg, travelled back to Spangdahlem Air Base and now filed for Jordan too. This makes it 11 flights from Biggs AAF to arrive in Jordan since the 4th February.
The first flight from Anniston Army Depot, REACH 215, has also arrived in Jordan.
RAF Akrotiri, Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 1x
#43C04E ZZ175 - ASCOT 6256
Airbus Atlas C.1 1x
#43C5EA ZM416 - ASCOT 4278
Two Royal Air Force logistics flights, ASCOT 6256 and ASCOT 4278 have arrived in Cyprus from RAF Marham. Six F-35B's from Marham deployed to Akrotiri yesterday - we will likely see a few more of these logistics flights.
U.S. Army Airfield Flights
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 7x
#AE1177 02-1105 - REACH 894 (Biggs AAF)
#AE2FA2 08-8190 - REACH 125 (Biggs AAF)
#AE10BC 01-0193 - REACH 199 (Biggs AAF)
#AE2FA8 08-8196 - REACH 227 (Biggs AAF)
#AE1239 04-4129 - REACH 261 (Biggs AAF)
#AE123D 04-4132 - REACH 468 (Pope AAF)
#AE146E 07-7176 - REACH 857 (Robert Gray AAF)
Lockheed C-5 Super Galaxy 1x
#AE055E 85-0001 - REACH 1801 (Robert Gray AAF)
Eight new flights from U.S. Army Airfields have either filed for their airfields, or begun their journey to the Middle East. The total number of flights from Biggs AAF is now at least 17, and from Robert Gray AAF at least 39.
REACH 1801 is the 12th C-5M Super Galaxy to take part in this airflift.
Diversions
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 1x
#AE49C6 09-9210 - REACH 049 (Pope AAF)
Lockheed C-5 Super Galaxy 2x
#AE057D 87-0032 - REACH 1830 (Robert Gray AAF)
#AE0564 85-0007 - REACH 8055 (Robert Gray AAF)
I've had messages today about a number of aircraft that seemingly all turned round within a short time of one another:
- REACH 049 from McGuire to Pope AAF turned around at 0517z
- REACH 1830 from Dover, which didn't file a plan via ACARS, turned around at 0635z
- REACH 8055 from Ramstein to Prince Sultan Air Base turned around at 0651z
It's likely a coincidence, but as I don't have any additional information I don't want to speculate any further.
CORONET East 005
Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker 2x
#AE065A 59-1486 - BLUE 82 (Fairchild AFB)
#AE0686 60-0328 - BLUE 72 (Fairchild AFB)
Two KC-135s from Fairchild Air Force Base have positioned to Moron Air Base in Spain on a Coronet East 005 tasking. This code was last used in mid-january in what was thought to be a mission to drag 12x "MO" F-15E's home from Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan.
They were replaced by "SJ" F-15E's, but rumours that these jets had issues was reported to be the reason for the "MO"s extended stay. These two tanker movements look as if the "MO" F-15E's will be returning to Mountain Home Air Force Base within the next few days, and may go via Moron or Laj[...]
"A total of 112 U.S. Air Force C-17's have now either arrived or are en route to the Middle East with a further 17-18 in-progress flights"
#USAF United States Air Force / #RAF Royal Air Force - Middle East Activity
7 February 2026 - 1700z
A total of 112 U.S. Air Force C-17's have now either arrived or are en route to the Middle East with a further 17-18 in-progress flights, a number of Royal Air Force logistics flights from RAF Marham to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, and movement on U.S. Air Force CORONETs
NOTE: All information is obtained via public sources (ADS-B/ACARS), and this list is by no means exhaustive.
Arrived/En Route/Filed via ACARS: 112
Muwaffaq Salti Air Base: 67
Al Udeid Air Base: 13
Prince Sultan Air Base: 13
Diego Garcia NSF: 9
Ali Al Salem Air Base: 7
Isa Air Base: 3
Pending flights: 17
Biggs Army Airfield: 6
Robert Gray Army Airfield: 5
Pope Army Airfield: 2
Hickam AFB: 1
North Island NAS: 1
Anniston Army Depot: 1
Francis S. Gabreski ANGB: 1
Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 3x
#AE1242 04-4137 - REACH 215 (Anniston Army Depot)
#AE145B 06-6157 - REACH 842 (Biggs AAF)
#AE2FA5 08-8193 - REACH 860 (Biggs AAF)
REACH 860 has arrived in Jordan, with REACH 842 having diverted to Nuremberg, travelled back to Spangdahlem Air Base and now filed for Jordan too. This makes it 11 flights from Biggs AAF to arrive in Jordan since the 4th February.
The first flight from Anniston Army Depot, REACH 215, has also arrived in Jordan.
RAF Akrotiri, Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 1x
#43C04E ZZ175 - ASCOT 6256
Airbus Atlas C.1 1x
#43C5EA ZM416 - ASCOT 4278
Two Royal Air Force logistics flights, ASCOT 6256 and ASCOT 4278 have arrived in Cyprus from RAF Marham. Six F-35B's from Marham deployed to Akrotiri yesterday - we will likely see a few more of these logistics flights.
U.S. Army Airfield Flights
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 7x
#AE1177 02-1105 - REACH 894 (Biggs AAF)
#AE2FA2 08-8190 - REACH 125 (Biggs AAF)
#AE10BC 01-0193 - REACH 199 (Biggs AAF)
#AE2FA8 08-8196 - REACH 227 (Biggs AAF)
#AE1239 04-4129 - REACH 261 (Biggs AAF)
#AE123D 04-4132 - REACH 468 (Pope AAF)
#AE146E 07-7176 - REACH 857 (Robert Gray AAF)
Lockheed C-5 Super Galaxy 1x
#AE055E 85-0001 - REACH 1801 (Robert Gray AAF)
Eight new flights from U.S. Army Airfields have either filed for their airfields, or begun their journey to the Middle East. The total number of flights from Biggs AAF is now at least 17, and from Robert Gray AAF at least 39.
REACH 1801 is the 12th C-5M Super Galaxy to take part in this airflift.
Diversions
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 1x
#AE49C6 09-9210 - REACH 049 (Pope AAF)
Lockheed C-5 Super Galaxy 2x
#AE057D 87-0032 - REACH 1830 (Robert Gray AAF)
#AE0564 85-0007 - REACH 8055 (Robert Gray AAF)
I've had messages today about a number of aircraft that seemingly all turned round within a short time of one another:
- REACH 049 from McGuire to Pope AAF turned around at 0517z
- REACH 1830 from Dover, which didn't file a plan via ACARS, turned around at 0635z
- REACH 8055 from Ramstein to Prince Sultan Air Base turned around at 0651z
It's likely a coincidence, but as I don't have any additional information I don't want to speculate any further.
CORONET East 005
Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker 2x
#AE065A 59-1486 - BLUE 82 (Fairchild AFB)
#AE0686 60-0328 - BLUE 72 (Fairchild AFB)
Two KC-135s from Fairchild Air Force Base have positioned to Moron Air Base in Spain on a Coronet East 005 tasking. This code was last used in mid-january in what was thought to be a mission to drag 12x "MO" F-15E's home from Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan.
They were replaced by "SJ" F-15E's, but rumours that these jets had issues was reported to be the reason for the "MO"s extended stay. These two tanker movements look as if the "MO" F-15E's will be returning to Mountain Home Air Force Base within the next few days, and may go via Moron or Laj[...]
OSINT
Photo
OSINTdefender
RT @ArmchairAdml: #USAF United States Air Force / #RAF Royal Air Force - Middle East Activity
7 February 2026 - 1700z
A total of 112 U.S. Air Force C-17's have now either arrived or are en route to the Middle East with a further 17-18 in-progress flights, a number of Royal Air Force logistics flights from RAF Marham to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, and movement on U.S. Air Force CORONETs
NOTE: All information is obtained via public sources (ADS-B/ACARS), and this list is by no means exhaustive.
Arrived/En Route/Filed via ACARS: 112
Muwaffaq Salti Air Base: 67
Al Udeid Air Base: 13
Prince Sultan Air Base: 13
Diego Garcia NSF: 9
Ali Al Salem Air Base: 7
Isa Air Base: 3
Pending flights: 17
Biggs Army Airfield: 6
Robert Gray Army Airfield: 5
Pope Army Airfield: 2
Hickam AFB: 1
North Island NAS: 1
Anniston Army Depot: 1
Francis S. Gabreski ANGB: 1
Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 3x
#AE1242 04-4137 - REACH 215 (Anniston Army Depot)
#AE145B 06-6157 - REACH 842 (Biggs AAF)
#AE2FA5 08-8193 - REACH 860 (Biggs AAF)
REACH 860 has arrived in Jordan, with REACH 842 having diverted to Nuremberg, travelled back to Spangdahlem Air Base and now filed for Jordan too. This makes it 11 flights from Biggs AAF to arrive in Jordan since the 4th February.
The first flight from Anniston Army Depot, REACH 215, has also arrived in Jordan.
RAF Akrotiri, Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 1x
#43C04E ZZ175 - ASCOT 6256
Airbus Atlas C.1 1x
#43C5EA ZM416 - ASCOT 4278
Two Royal Air Force logistics flights, ASCOT 6256 and ASCOT 4278 have arrived in Cyprus from RAF Marham. Six F-35B's from Marham deployed to Akrotiri yesterday - we will likely see a few more of these logistics flights.
U.S. Army Airfield Flights
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 7x
#AE1177 02-1105 - REACH 894 (Biggs AAF)
#AE2FA2 08-8190 - REACH 125 (Biggs AAF)
#AE10BC 01-0193 - REACH 199 (Biggs AAF)
#AE2FA8 08-8196 - REACH 227 (Biggs AAF)
#AE1239 04-4129 - REACH 261 (Biggs AAF)
#AE123D 04-4132 - REACH 468 (Pope AAF)
#AE146E 07-7176 - REACH 857 (Robert Gray AAF)
Lockheed C-5 Super Galaxy 1x
#AE055E 85-0001 - REACH 1801 (Robert Gray AAF)
Eight new flights from U.S. Army Airfields have either filed for their airfields, or begun their journey to the Middle East. The total number of flights from Biggs AAF is now at least 17, and from Robert Gray AAF at least 39.
REACH 1801 is the 12th C-5M Super Galaxy to take part in this airflift.
Diversions
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 1x
#AE49C6 09-9210 - REACH 049 (Pope AAF)
Lockheed C-5 Super Galaxy 2x
#AE057D 87-0032 - REACH 1830 (Robert Gray AAF)
#AE0564 85-0007 - REACH 8055 (Robert Gray AAF)
I've had messages today about a number of aircraft that seemingly all turned round within a short time of one another:
- REACH 049 from McGuire to Pope AAF turned around at 0517z
- REACH 1830 from Dover, which didn't file a plan via ACARS, turned around at 0635z
- REACH 8055 from Ramstein to Prince Sultan Air Base turned around at 0651z
It's likely a coincidence, but as I don't have any additional information I don't want to speculate any further.
CORONET East 005
Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker 2x
#AE065A 59-1486 - BLUE 82 (Fairchild AFB)
#AE0686 60-0328 - BLUE 72 (Fairchild AFB)
Two KC-135s from Fairchild Air Force Base have positioned to Moron Air Base in Spain on a Coronet East 005 tasking. This code was last used in mid-january in what was thought to be a mission to drag 12x "MO" F-15E's home from Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan.
They were replaced by "SJ" F-15E's, but rumours that these jets had issues was reported to be the reason for the "MO"s extended stay. These two tanker movements look as if the "MO" F-15E's will be returning to Mountain Home Air Force Base within the next few days, and may go via Moron or Lajes rather than RAF Lakenheath as they had originally planned to in January.
Any additions or corrections please let me know. T[...]
RT @ArmchairAdml: #USAF United States Air Force / #RAF Royal Air Force - Middle East Activity
7 February 2026 - 1700z
A total of 112 U.S. Air Force C-17's have now either arrived or are en route to the Middle East with a further 17-18 in-progress flights, a number of Royal Air Force logistics flights from RAF Marham to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, and movement on U.S. Air Force CORONETs
NOTE: All information is obtained via public sources (ADS-B/ACARS), and this list is by no means exhaustive.
Arrived/En Route/Filed via ACARS: 112
Muwaffaq Salti Air Base: 67
Al Udeid Air Base: 13
Prince Sultan Air Base: 13
Diego Garcia NSF: 9
Ali Al Salem Air Base: 7
Isa Air Base: 3
Pending flights: 17
Biggs Army Airfield: 6
Robert Gray Army Airfield: 5
Pope Army Airfield: 2
Hickam AFB: 1
North Island NAS: 1
Anniston Army Depot: 1
Francis S. Gabreski ANGB: 1
Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 3x
#AE1242 04-4137 - REACH 215 (Anniston Army Depot)
#AE145B 06-6157 - REACH 842 (Biggs AAF)
#AE2FA5 08-8193 - REACH 860 (Biggs AAF)
REACH 860 has arrived in Jordan, with REACH 842 having diverted to Nuremberg, travelled back to Spangdahlem Air Base and now filed for Jordan too. This makes it 11 flights from Biggs AAF to arrive in Jordan since the 4th February.
The first flight from Anniston Army Depot, REACH 215, has also arrived in Jordan.
RAF Akrotiri, Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 1x
#43C04E ZZ175 - ASCOT 6256
Airbus Atlas C.1 1x
#43C5EA ZM416 - ASCOT 4278
Two Royal Air Force logistics flights, ASCOT 6256 and ASCOT 4278 have arrived in Cyprus from RAF Marham. Six F-35B's from Marham deployed to Akrotiri yesterday - we will likely see a few more of these logistics flights.
U.S. Army Airfield Flights
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 7x
#AE1177 02-1105 - REACH 894 (Biggs AAF)
#AE2FA2 08-8190 - REACH 125 (Biggs AAF)
#AE10BC 01-0193 - REACH 199 (Biggs AAF)
#AE2FA8 08-8196 - REACH 227 (Biggs AAF)
#AE1239 04-4129 - REACH 261 (Biggs AAF)
#AE123D 04-4132 - REACH 468 (Pope AAF)
#AE146E 07-7176 - REACH 857 (Robert Gray AAF)
Lockheed C-5 Super Galaxy 1x
#AE055E 85-0001 - REACH 1801 (Robert Gray AAF)
Eight new flights from U.S. Army Airfields have either filed for their airfields, or begun their journey to the Middle East. The total number of flights from Biggs AAF is now at least 17, and from Robert Gray AAF at least 39.
REACH 1801 is the 12th C-5M Super Galaxy to take part in this airflift.
Diversions
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 1x
#AE49C6 09-9210 - REACH 049 (Pope AAF)
Lockheed C-5 Super Galaxy 2x
#AE057D 87-0032 - REACH 1830 (Robert Gray AAF)
#AE0564 85-0007 - REACH 8055 (Robert Gray AAF)
I've had messages today about a number of aircraft that seemingly all turned round within a short time of one another:
- REACH 049 from McGuire to Pope AAF turned around at 0517z
- REACH 1830 from Dover, which didn't file a plan via ACARS, turned around at 0635z
- REACH 8055 from Ramstein to Prince Sultan Air Base turned around at 0651z
It's likely a coincidence, but as I don't have any additional information I don't want to speculate any further.
CORONET East 005
Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker 2x
#AE065A 59-1486 - BLUE 82 (Fairchild AFB)
#AE0686 60-0328 - BLUE 72 (Fairchild AFB)
Two KC-135s from Fairchild Air Force Base have positioned to Moron Air Base in Spain on a Coronet East 005 tasking. This code was last used in mid-january in what was thought to be a mission to drag 12x "MO" F-15E's home from Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan.
They were replaced by "SJ" F-15E's, but rumours that these jets had issues was reported to be the reason for the "MO"s extended stay. These two tanker movements look as if the "MO" F-15E's will be returning to Mountain Home Air Force Base within the next few days, and may go via Moron or Lajes rather than RAF Lakenheath as they had originally planned to in January.
Any additions or corrections please let me know. T[...]
OSINT
OSINTdefender RT @ArmchairAdml: #USAF United States Air Force / #RAF Royal Air Force - Middle East Activity 7 February 2026 - 1700z A total of 112 U.S. Air Force C-17's have now either arrived or are en route to the Middle East with a further 17-18 in-progress…
hanks!
Photos: @havoc_aviation
@MATA_osint @DefenceGeek @sipjack1776 @TheIntelFrog @Andyyyyrrrr @vcdgf555 @sentdefender @Osinttechnical @FaytuksNetwork @Faytuks
#USAF United States Air Force / #RAF Royal Air Force - Middle East Activity
6 February 2026 - 1900z
A total of one hundred and nine C-17's have arrived/filed/en route to six bases in the Middle East, with a further nine in progress flights. Additionally, there has been movement of Royal Air Force F-35B's from RAF Marham to RAF Akrotiri, as well as a number of Typhoon FGR.4's returning from Saudi Arabia.
NOTE: All information is obtained via public sources (ADS-B/ACARS), and this list is by no means exhaustive.
As things stand, the RAF currently have the following aircraft at RAF Akrotiri and in Qatar:
Typhoon FGR.4: 14 (10x Akrotiri, 4x Qatar)
F-35B: 6x (Akrotiri)
Voyager: 2x (Akrotiri)
This is the current breakdown for USAF flights into the CENTCOM AOR:
Arrived/En Route/Filed via ACARS: 109
Muwaffaq Salti Air Base: 64
Al Udeid Air Base: 13
Prince Sultan Air Base: 13
Diego Garcia NSF: 9
Ali Al Salem Air Base: 7
Isa Air Base: 3
Pending flights: 9
Biggs Army Airfield: 4
Robert Gray Army Airfield: 3
Anniston Army Depot: 1
Francis S. Gabreski ANGB: 1
RAF Akrotiri, Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia
Airbus KC.2/3 Voyager 2x
#43C6F7 ZZ334 - ASCOT 9221
#43C6F4 ZZ331 - ASCOT 9968
Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II 6x
Cell 1: RAFAIR 9641-9644
Cell 2: RAFAIR 9645-9646
Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4 4x
#43C784 ZK361 - ASCOT 9964X
#43C794 ZK366 - ASCOT 9965X
#43C7A3 ZK426 - ASCOT 9966X
#43C792 ZK364 - ASCOT 9967X
RAF Akrotiri is a busy base at the moment. There are already six Typhoon FGR.4's based there for Operation Shader duties, and today the four that participated in exercises in Saudi Arabia have returned - it's possible these will return home to the U.K. in the coming days.
Six F-35B's from RAF Marham departed today for Akrotiri, and tanker ASCOT 9221 came with them. There are now two tankers at Akrotiri. Again, it's possible one of these will depart with the four Typhoon's on exercises.
Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 6x
#AE145E 06-6160 - REACH 844 (Biggs AAF)
#AE2FA2 08-8190 - REACH 849 (Biggs AAF)
#AE146E 07-7176 - REACH 835 (Roosevelt Roads NAS)
#AE2FAD 08-8201 - REACH 801 (Roosevelt Roads NAS)
#AE145A 06-6156 - REACH 827 (Roosevelt Roads NAS)
#AE145F 06-6161 - REACH 891 (Roosevelt Roads NAS)
Six arrivals into Salti today. The movements from Roosevelt Roads Naval Air Station in Puerto Rico appear to now be complete. Two additional flights in from Biggs Army Airfield too.
Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia
Lockheed C-5 Super Galaxy 1x
#AE0577 86-0026 - REACH 1831
REACH 1831 arrived at Prince Sultan from Robert Gray Army Airfield today. This is the twelfth into Prince Sultan from Robert Gray, and fourth C-5.
Other Airlift Movements
Lockheed C-5 Super Galaxy 2x
#AE0589 87-0044 - REACH 1829 (Robert Gray AAF)
#AE057D 87-0032 - REACH 1830 (Robert Gray AAF)
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III
#AE1177 - 02-1105 - REACH 274 (Anniston Army Depot)
#AE49C5 - 09-9209 - REACH 804 (Biggs AAF)
Additional flights from Robert Gray and Biggs Army Airfields. Also, there is now a flight from Anniston Army Depot - it will be interesting to see if there are more flights from here in the next few days.
Tanker Movements
We still haven't seen anything major in terms of tanker movements. REACH 787 departed Naval Station Rota after being stuck for a few days. GOLD 41 also departed, headed back to Bangor Air National Guard Base.
Currently there are three tankers positioned at Bangor:
#AE04CC 62-3499 - GOLD 83
#AE0506 61-0293 - GOLD 82
#AE5FAE 15-46067 - GOLD 41
GOLD 82/83 are on Coronet East 035 moving "VT" F-35A's, whereas GOLD 41 is on 037 moving E/A-18Gs. I'm unsure as to why GOLD 41 has moved from Moron to Bangor, considering the two remaining E/A-18's are still at Moron.
Any additions or correct[...]
Photos: @havoc_aviation
@MATA_osint @DefenceGeek @sipjack1776 @TheIntelFrog @Andyyyyrrrr @vcdgf555 @sentdefender @Osinttechnical @FaytuksNetwork @Faytuks
#USAF United States Air Force / #RAF Royal Air Force - Middle East Activity
6 February 2026 - 1900z
A total of one hundred and nine C-17's have arrived/filed/en route to six bases in the Middle East, with a further nine in progress flights. Additionally, there has been movement of Royal Air Force F-35B's from RAF Marham to RAF Akrotiri, as well as a number of Typhoon FGR.4's returning from Saudi Arabia.
NOTE: All information is obtained via public sources (ADS-B/ACARS), and this list is by no means exhaustive.
As things stand, the RAF currently have the following aircraft at RAF Akrotiri and in Qatar:
Typhoon FGR.4: 14 (10x Akrotiri, 4x Qatar)
F-35B: 6x (Akrotiri)
Voyager: 2x (Akrotiri)
This is the current breakdown for USAF flights into the CENTCOM AOR:
Arrived/En Route/Filed via ACARS: 109
Muwaffaq Salti Air Base: 64
Al Udeid Air Base: 13
Prince Sultan Air Base: 13
Diego Garcia NSF: 9
Ali Al Salem Air Base: 7
Isa Air Base: 3
Pending flights: 9
Biggs Army Airfield: 4
Robert Gray Army Airfield: 3
Anniston Army Depot: 1
Francis S. Gabreski ANGB: 1
RAF Akrotiri, Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia
Airbus KC.2/3 Voyager 2x
#43C6F7 ZZ334 - ASCOT 9221
#43C6F4 ZZ331 - ASCOT 9968
Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II 6x
Cell 1: RAFAIR 9641-9644
Cell 2: RAFAIR 9645-9646
Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4 4x
#43C784 ZK361 - ASCOT 9964X
#43C794 ZK366 - ASCOT 9965X
#43C7A3 ZK426 - ASCOT 9966X
#43C792 ZK364 - ASCOT 9967X
RAF Akrotiri is a busy base at the moment. There are already six Typhoon FGR.4's based there for Operation Shader duties, and today the four that participated in exercises in Saudi Arabia have returned - it's possible these will return home to the U.K. in the coming days.
Six F-35B's from RAF Marham departed today for Akrotiri, and tanker ASCOT 9221 came with them. There are now two tankers at Akrotiri. Again, it's possible one of these will depart with the four Typhoon's on exercises.
Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 6x
#AE145E 06-6160 - REACH 844 (Biggs AAF)
#AE2FA2 08-8190 - REACH 849 (Biggs AAF)
#AE146E 07-7176 - REACH 835 (Roosevelt Roads NAS)
#AE2FAD 08-8201 - REACH 801 (Roosevelt Roads NAS)
#AE145A 06-6156 - REACH 827 (Roosevelt Roads NAS)
#AE145F 06-6161 - REACH 891 (Roosevelt Roads NAS)
Six arrivals into Salti today. The movements from Roosevelt Roads Naval Air Station in Puerto Rico appear to now be complete. Two additional flights in from Biggs Army Airfield too.
Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia
Lockheed C-5 Super Galaxy 1x
#AE0577 86-0026 - REACH 1831
REACH 1831 arrived at Prince Sultan from Robert Gray Army Airfield today. This is the twelfth into Prince Sultan from Robert Gray, and fourth C-5.
Other Airlift Movements
Lockheed C-5 Super Galaxy 2x
#AE0589 87-0044 - REACH 1829 (Robert Gray AAF)
#AE057D 87-0032 - REACH 1830 (Robert Gray AAF)
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III
#AE1177 - 02-1105 - REACH 274 (Anniston Army Depot)
#AE49C5 - 09-9209 - REACH 804 (Biggs AAF)
Additional flights from Robert Gray and Biggs Army Airfields. Also, there is now a flight from Anniston Army Depot - it will be interesting to see if there are more flights from here in the next few days.
Tanker Movements
We still haven't seen anything major in terms of tanker movements. REACH 787 departed Naval Station Rota after being stuck for a few days. GOLD 41 also departed, headed back to Bangor Air National Guard Base.
Currently there are three tankers positioned at Bangor:
#AE04CC 62-3499 - GOLD 83
#AE0506 61-0293 - GOLD 82
#AE5FAE 15-46067 - GOLD 41
GOLD 82/83 are on Coronet East 035 moving "VT" F-35A's, whereas GOLD 41 is on 037 moving E/A-18Gs. I'm unsure as to why GOLD 41 has moved from Moron to Bangor, considering the two remaining E/A-18's are still at Moron.
Any additions or correct[...]
Faytuks News
RT @ArmchairAdml: #RAF Royal Air Force - Middle East Activity
1 March - 2250z
Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4 3x
#43C782 ZK359 - LEROY 11
#43C798 ZK370 - LEROY 12
#43C6D5 ZK322 - LEORY 15
Airbus KC.2 Voyager 1x
#43C6F6 ZZ333 - ASCOT 9964
Three Typhoon FGR.4s are now airborne from RAF Akrotiri along with a tanker ASCOT 9964. The position of ZK370/LEROY 12 is not accurate. LEROY 11 pinged briefly off the coast.
@MATA_osint @DefenceGeek
tweet
RT @ArmchairAdml: #RAF Royal Air Force - Middle East Activity
1 March - 2250z
Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4 3x
#43C782 ZK359 - LEROY 11
#43C798 ZK370 - LEROY 12
#43C6D5 ZK322 - LEORY 15
Airbus KC.2 Voyager 1x
#43C6F6 ZZ333 - ASCOT 9964
Three Typhoon FGR.4s are now airborne from RAF Akrotiri along with a tanker ASCOT 9964. The position of ZK370/LEROY 12 is not accurate. LEROY 11 pinged briefly off the coast.
@MATA_osint @DefenceGeek
#RAF Royal Air Force - Middle East Activity
1 March - 2240z
Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4 2x
#43C782 ZK359 - LEROY 11
#43C798 ZK370 - LEROY 12
At least two Typhoon FGR.4 appears to have been scrambled after reports of drone activity at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.
@MATA_osint @DefenceGeek tweet
OSINTdefender
Three Eurofighter Typhoons FGR.4s and an Airbus KC.2 Voyager are now up from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, possibly carrying out combat air patrols over the Eastern Mediterranean looking for additional drones launched by Iran.
tweet
Three Eurofighter Typhoons FGR.4s and an Airbus KC.2 Voyager are now up from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, possibly carrying out combat air patrols over the Eastern Mediterranean looking for additional drones launched by Iran.
#RAF Royal Air Force - Middle East Activity
1 March - 2250z
Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4 3x
#43C782 ZK359 - LEROY 11
#43C798 ZK370 - LEROY 12
#43C6D5 ZK322 - LEORY 15
Airbus KC.2 Voyager 1x
#43C6F6 ZZ333 - ASCOT 9964
Three Typhoon FGR.4s are now airborne from RAF Akrotiri along with a tanker ASCOT 9964. The position of ZK370/LEROY 12 is not accurate. LEROY 11 pinged briefly off the coast.
@MATA_osint @DefenceGeek tweet
Nuno Felix
RT @ArmchairAdml: #RAF Royal Air Force - Middle East Activity
1 March - 2250z
Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4 3x
#43C782 ZK359 - LEROY 11
#43C798 ZK370 - LEROY 12
#43C6D5 ZK322 - LEORY 15
Airbus KC.2 Voyager 1x
#43C6F6 ZZ333 - ASCOT 9964
Three Typhoon FGR.4s are now airborne from RAF Akrotiri along with a tanker ASCOT 9964. The position of ZK370/LEROY 12 is not accurate. LEROY 11 pinged briefly off the coast.
@MATA_osint @DefenceGeek
tweet
RT @ArmchairAdml: #RAF Royal Air Force - Middle East Activity
1 March - 2250z
Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4 3x
#43C782 ZK359 - LEROY 11
#43C798 ZK370 - LEROY 12
#43C6D5 ZK322 - LEORY 15
Airbus KC.2 Voyager 1x
#43C6F6 ZZ333 - ASCOT 9964
Three Typhoon FGR.4s are now airborne from RAF Akrotiri along with a tanker ASCOT 9964. The position of ZK370/LEROY 12 is not accurate. LEROY 11 pinged briefly off the coast.
@MATA_osint @DefenceGeek
#RAF Royal Air Force - Middle East Activity
1 March - 2240z
Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4 2x
#43C782 ZK359 - LEROY 11
#43C798 ZK370 - LEROY 12
At least two Typhoon FGR.4 appears to have been scrambled after reports of drone activity at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.
@MATA_osint @DefenceGeek tweet
Nuno Felix
RT @Azorean_Lion: 🇬🇧 #RAF 1x KC2 Voyager departing from Lajes (LPLA) with 3x F35's
#F35 #RoyalAirForce https://twitter.com/Azorean_Lion/status/2029589209963462911/video/1
tweet
RT @Azorean_Lion: 🇬🇧 #RAF 1x KC2 Voyager departing from Lajes (LPLA) with 3x F35's
#F35 #RoyalAirForce https://twitter.com/Azorean_Lion/status/2029589209963462911/video/1
tweet
OSINT
Photo
Nuno Felix
RT @PatrickBury: Good stuff here on the realities of the “only fuel smugglers” hypothesis
I have received various questions and comments on some of my previous assessments on the #RAF #Fairford major incident — including suggestions that it “may have been a dry run”, and others that it was simply five lads trying to nick diesel. Public facts do not settle it, but they sit poorly with opportunistic fuel theft.
- I'll explain:
- Police found petrol — described as an accelerant — and no #IEDs. So if it was a dry run, it was not a dry run in the sense of empty rehearsal vehicles. There was fuel on board. They also released the five men on bail with strict conditions while the investigation continues. That does not prove innocence; it also does not prove a completed bomb plot.
- The farmer who called it in says she did not see five men. She puts it at eight to ten, hooded and in balaclavas, splitting across fields and towards the base when her headlights hit them.
- Police arrested five and have indicated they are not looking for anyone else. Night can inflate a count. It can also mean people ran and were not caught.
- I also looked at #UK diesel theft cases to try to discern a pattern. Some surface details overlap with diesel nicking — and several important ones do not.
- While vans, drums and fake fuel livery may not be exotic for the job, they are not the norm. Large teams are definitely not the norm.
- A van may be a standard tool when thieves want volume, not a quick field raid. Modified vans with concealed tanks are an established tactic for taking large amounts from bowsers, generators and tanks.
- Fake or cloned fuel-company markings are not unheard of; a van that looks like a delivery or “Fuel 2You” vehicle draws less attention on a country lane at night.
- Barrels in the back fit the usual kit list. Cotswold villages around Fairford include off-grid properties that store heating oil, and farms and sites store diesel. In that narrow sense, “vans, barrels, fuel branding” is not exotic.
- But, caught rural jobs are usually two men, sometimes one or three — often local or from the next county (7–20 miles), on quads or a single van, after farm tanks, bowsers or HGVs. They steal red diesel, white diesel or heating oil, then leave.
- Fairford does not match that. The suspects were 23–25 and from Camden, Westminster and Willesden — about 80–100 miles away.
- Three vans as a convoy, masks, petrol not farm diesel, and a pitch-up next to a US-used bomber base at 1am is not where you go to pinch a heating-oil tank.
- You do not need eight to ten people to siphon a bowser. Extra bodies are a liability.
- Fuel thieves also tend to run away from the hard target, not towards the perimeter.
- So the vans and barrels can look like theft. The distance, the crowd, the masks, the petrol and the location do not.
- I'd say judging from the above a dry run or interrupted approach is a cleaner fit with those facts. The vans and fuel could be logistics for a later incendiary or vehicle-borne attack; the night visit could be route reconnaissance, timing, or testing access while already carrying the accelerant.
- “Just five lads after diesel” is the weakest fit.
- Two last points. First, the release of the five suspects on bail, as much as it was surprising, matches a run of recent UK and European cases involving disposable, single-use agents recruited by hostile states—chiefly #Russia and #Iran.
- In similar UK proxy cases that I have looked at (warehouse arsons, attacks on #Jewish sites, reconnaissance jobs) suspects have also been bailed while police investigate who directed them and what they knew. Detention without charge is tightly limited; proving the wider network or state link takes longer.
- Second, a night-time approach to RAF Fairford with petrol and fake fuel vans could have been a deniable signal from a malign actor that they can reach the base used against them, even without a finished bomb. A “message” does not need explosives to be the[...]
RT @PatrickBury: Good stuff here on the realities of the “only fuel smugglers” hypothesis
I have received various questions and comments on some of my previous assessments on the #RAF #Fairford major incident — including suggestions that it “may have been a dry run”, and others that it was simply five lads trying to nick diesel. Public facts do not settle it, but they sit poorly with opportunistic fuel theft.
- I'll explain:
- Police found petrol — described as an accelerant — and no #IEDs. So if it was a dry run, it was not a dry run in the sense of empty rehearsal vehicles. There was fuel on board. They also released the five men on bail with strict conditions while the investigation continues. That does not prove innocence; it also does not prove a completed bomb plot.
- The farmer who called it in says she did not see five men. She puts it at eight to ten, hooded and in balaclavas, splitting across fields and towards the base when her headlights hit them.
- Police arrested five and have indicated they are not looking for anyone else. Night can inflate a count. It can also mean people ran and were not caught.
- I also looked at #UK diesel theft cases to try to discern a pattern. Some surface details overlap with diesel nicking — and several important ones do not.
- While vans, drums and fake fuel livery may not be exotic for the job, they are not the norm. Large teams are definitely not the norm.
- A van may be a standard tool when thieves want volume, not a quick field raid. Modified vans with concealed tanks are an established tactic for taking large amounts from bowsers, generators and tanks.
- Fake or cloned fuel-company markings are not unheard of; a van that looks like a delivery or “Fuel 2You” vehicle draws less attention on a country lane at night.
- Barrels in the back fit the usual kit list. Cotswold villages around Fairford include off-grid properties that store heating oil, and farms and sites store diesel. In that narrow sense, “vans, barrels, fuel branding” is not exotic.
- But, caught rural jobs are usually two men, sometimes one or three — often local or from the next county (7–20 miles), on quads or a single van, after farm tanks, bowsers or HGVs. They steal red diesel, white diesel or heating oil, then leave.
- Fairford does not match that. The suspects were 23–25 and from Camden, Westminster and Willesden — about 80–100 miles away.
- Three vans as a convoy, masks, petrol not farm diesel, and a pitch-up next to a US-used bomber base at 1am is not where you go to pinch a heating-oil tank.
- You do not need eight to ten people to siphon a bowser. Extra bodies are a liability.
- Fuel thieves also tend to run away from the hard target, not towards the perimeter.
- So the vans and barrels can look like theft. The distance, the crowd, the masks, the petrol and the location do not.
- I'd say judging from the above a dry run or interrupted approach is a cleaner fit with those facts. The vans and fuel could be logistics for a later incendiary or vehicle-borne attack; the night visit could be route reconnaissance, timing, or testing access while already carrying the accelerant.
- “Just five lads after diesel” is the weakest fit.
- Two last points. First, the release of the five suspects on bail, as much as it was surprising, matches a run of recent UK and European cases involving disposable, single-use agents recruited by hostile states—chiefly #Russia and #Iran.
- In similar UK proxy cases that I have looked at (warehouse arsons, attacks on #Jewish sites, reconnaissance jobs) suspects have also been bailed while police investigate who directed them and what they knew. Detention without charge is tightly limited; proving the wider network or state link takes longer.
- Second, a night-time approach to RAF Fairford with petrol and fake fuel vans could have been a deniable signal from a malign actor that they can reach the base used against them, even without a finished bomb. A “message” does not need explosives to be the[...]