Reports about US F-22 stealth fighter jets landing in southern Israel were confirmed on Thursday morning when the Chinese MizarVision intelligence firm published satellite images providing the first clear visual evidence of US Air Force F-22 Raptor stealth fighters deployed at the Ovda Airbase.

The photos show 11 aircraft parked within the base complex, with a Patriot air defense battery visible nearby. According to a Channel 12 News report, six additional jets are slated to arrive shortly.

Kan News reported that the US has established a fully operational F-22 squadron at Ovda. This level of deployment outside of U.S. borders is considered exceptional and means that joint Israeli-American preparations for the possibility of a military confrontation with Iran have entered a significant new phase.

Over the past 24 hours, the southern base has also received transport planes, tankers, and passenger aircraft carrying hundreds of U.S. military personnel—technicians, maintenance crews, and experts in munitions and operations—to provide the necessary support infrastructure for the combat squadron.

By basing these stealth fighters in southern Israel—alongside American aerial refueling tankers already on-site—the U.S. is positioned to launch long-range strikes at a moment’s notice.

Beyond the geographic proximity to Iran, the deployment offers a unique tactical advantage: American assets and personnel are now sheltered under a dual-layered defense umbrella, integrated with both Israeli and U.S. air defense systems.

As part of the integration process, IAF Commander Major General Tomer Bar visited the base on Wednesday and met with the US pilots to finalize joint operational readiness.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)