The US military says it will run a multi-day air readiness exercise across the US Central Command area as tensions with Iran rise. US Air Forces Central (AFCENT) says the drill is meant to show it can rapidly deploy, disperse, and sustain combat airpower across the region.
The announcement comes as President Donald Trump described a US deployment as an “armada” led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, according to The Guardian. CENTCOM also confirmed the carrier’s arrival in the region, The Guardian reported.
What the readiness exercise will test
AFCENT says the exercise is designed to improve how quickly US air units can spread out people and equipment, strengthen regional partnerships, and prepare for flexible responses across CENTCOM’s area of responsibility. The command says it will use the event to validate procedures for rapid movement of personnel and aircraft, dispersed operations at contingency locations, logistics sustainment with a minimal footprint, and integrated, multinational command and control over a large operating area.
During the training, AFCENT says US forces will send teams to multiple contingency locations and test rapid setup, launch, and recovery procedures using small, efficient support packages. AFCENT says all activities will be conducted with host-nation approval and in close coordination with civil and military aviation authorities, with an emphasis on safety, precision, and respect for sovereignty.
“Our Airmen are proving they can disperse, operate, and generate combat sorties under demanding conditions—safely, precisely and alongside our partners,” said Lt. Gen. Derek France, AFCENT commander and Combined Forces Air Component commander for CENTCOM, in the AFCENT statement. “This is about upholding our commitment to maintaining combat-ready Airmen and the disciplined execution required to keep airpower available when and where it’s needed.”
Timing and locations not disclosed
The Guardian reported that details such as the dates, locations, and the specific US military assets involved in the drills were not disclosed. The same report said the exercise appears intended to highlight the US ability to project military force in the region as tensions with Iran intensify.
CNN also reported that US forces would conduct a multi-day air exercise in the Middle East while Washington bolsters its military presence amid tensions with Iran. CNN described the broader situation as building tension with Iran amid Trump’s demands.
Carrier deployment and regional coordination
The Guardian reported that CENTCOM said a major deployment led by the nuclear aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln had arrived in the region. The Guardian said the carrier has fighter jets and nearly 5,000 crew members, and that it is accompanied by guided missile destroyers meant to provide air defense for the carrier strike group.
The Guardian also reported that CENTCOM confirmed the drills would be conducted in cooperation with Middle Eastern nations. It added that CENTCOM announced plans to partner with Bahrain on a defensive exercise that would include practicing drone interception.
Iran issues airspace notice near Strait of Hormuz
Iran issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) warning of live-fire military activity in airspace along the Strait of Hormuz, according to Anadolu Agency. Anadolu reported the notice said the activity would take place between Jan. 27 and Jan. 29 in a circular area with a radius of five nautical miles. It also reported that the designated airspace from ground level up to 25,000 feet would be restricted and considered hazardous for the duration of the exercises.
Anadolu reported that Iranian officials warned any US attack would draw a “swift and comprehensive” response. Anadolu also reported that the US said all options, including military action, remain on the table in dealing with Tehran, and said the US and Israel seek to change Iran’s ruling system.
Trump remarks and regional reactions
The Guardian reported that Trump warned Iran of possible military action if the country carried out mass executions or killings of demonstrators, and later said “the killing has stopped.” The Guardian also reported that Trump earlier said the carrier strike group was sent to the region “just in case.”
The Guardian reported that these deployments raised concerns among some US allies in the Middle East. It reported that the United Arab Emirates’ foreign ministry said it would not allow its airspace, territory, or territorial waters to be used for an attack on Iran, and said the UAE emphasized neutrality and regional stability.
