Massive USAF Airlift over the Mediterranean: F-16 Formations Flying Towards the Middle East

A massive redeployment of US air forces is currently underway, crossing the airspace of the central Mediterranean. Today, we detected intense activity involving a large fleet of US Air Force tankers and fighter jets transiting from north to southeast.

Tracking Details

As shown on the map, a sizable “tanker bridge” (air-to-air refueling airlift) departed from the United Kingdom to support the transfer of tactical assets. The route saw the formation cross France before entering the Mediterranean Sea, flying over the Tyrrhenian Sea and continuing towards the Eastern Mediterranean and Greece.

The operation is supported by a fleet of at least six Boeing KC-135R Stratotankers, which took off from the British base of RAF Mildenhall (EGUN). The aircraft are operating with callsigns from the BOBBY series:

• BOBBY01 (Reg. 58-0063)
• BOBBY02 (Reg. 62-3580)
• BOBBY11 (Reg. 60-0324)
• BOBBY12 (Reg. 58-0117)
• BOBBY61 (Reg. 62-3557)
• BOBBY62 (Reg. 59-1468)

The Tactical Cargo: F-16s Heading to CENTCOM

But who are these tankers refueling? Tracking data, combined with information from the OSINT community, confirms that the impressive logistical setup is escorting a substantial force of Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters.

The tankers of the “BOBBY Crew” are transferring 3 formations consisting of 4 F-16s each to the Middle East (CENTCOM area of responsibility), for an estimated total of 12 fighters.

The jets, which departed from the German base of Spangdahlem (ETAD), reportedly belong to the wings with tail codes “SW” (Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina) and/or “WW” (Wild Weasels).