The recent F-22 deployment to Yokota AB, Japan, was part of a “previously scheduled training deployment,” not a reaction to recent activity by the North Korean regime, the Pentagon said Thursday. Eight F-22s deployed to Yokota on Jan. 20 for a drill lasting until Jan. 22, the Asahi Shimbun reported. Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. Jeff Davis said the Raptors, which are deployed from JB Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, are at Yokota to “enhance our ability to fulfill our treaty obligations to defend Japan and promote stability throughout the region.” F-16s also are reportedly joining the Raptors on the deployment.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
