The USAF has sent six F-22 Raptors to Al Dhafra Air Base in Dubai to participate in a UAE Air Warfare Centre exercise from November 15 to December 10 – the first deployment of the aircraft to the Middle East.
The previously unannounced participation of the F-22s is seen as particularly interesting as France – which has a number of sales prospects in the region – has also sent a similar number of Rafales, and the UK some Eurofighter Typhoons. Some reports have indicated the F-22s were either withdrawn from or are only partially participating in the exercise.
Two of the F-22s participated in the flying program at last week’s Dubai Airshow.
