Full Breakdown
U.S. F-22 Raptors Redeploy to RAF Fairford After Iran-Focused Operations
7/12/2026, 11:32:13 AM
F-22 Raptors Return to RAF Fairford
On July 10, ten F-22 Raptors from the 1st Fighter Wing at Joint Base Langley-Eustis arrived at RAF Fairford, United Kingdom, after being forward-deployed to Ovda Air Base, Israel, since late February. Spotters observed the aircraft landing in three waves, and open-source flight trackers confirmed the movements and accompanying aerial-refueling support. The redeployment follows a series of recent U.S. air-power withdrawals, including B-52 Stratofortress bombers that left Fairford on July 1 and earlier returns of F-15E Strike Eagles and A-10 Thunderbolt IIs.
Operation Epic Fury and the Iran Conflict
The F-22s, along with F-16s, F-15Es, F-35s, and A-10s, participated in Operation Epic Fury, which began with intensive airstrikes on Iranian missile sites and expanded in early April to a naval blockade of Iranian oil shipments. A mid-June memorandum of understanding temporarily reopened the Strait of Hormuz toll-free for 60 days, but differing interpretations have kept hostilities active. After Iranian attacks on tankers near Oman, the United States struck more than 170 targets later in the month.
Official Statements & Responses
A U.S. official said on July 9, “The United States is still committed to finding a resolution, and technical talks continue.” President Donald Trump posted on social media on July 10 that the tenuous cease-fire between the two countries is now “over.” Despite the president’s comment, aides indicated the United States remains open to a diplomatic resolution, and the White House has shown little interest in resuming large-scale operations, as reflected by the aircraft withdrawals.
Verbatim Quotes
- “1 of 2 pics: Ten F-22 Raptors?? into RAF Fairford?? this morning as TREND Flt.” — @Saint1Mil, aviation photographer
- “Here parked up with a B-1 for company.” — @Saint1Mil, aviation photographer
- “The United States is still committed to finding a resolution, and technical talks continue,” — U.S. official, July 9 statement
