 US fighter jets are deployed in Middle East, a large-scale air operation could begin any moment. The US Central Command, whose operational area of responsibility includes the Middle East, has reported the arrival of its F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets in the region. The 494th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft, arrived on the US Central Command area of responsibility to bolster the US posture and enhance air operations throughout the Middle East, the command said on its page. More advanced military aircraft including F-35 Lightning II, A-10 Warthog, ATK planes and F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters are expected to join them in a bid to deter Iran and other militant groups that oppose Israel from jumping into the fray. US Secretary Frank Kendall noted at an Atlantic Council event that airmen who were due to return to the United States from Central Command will stay in the area along with the squadrons that had planned to replace them. Earlier, the American USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group arrived in the eastern Mediterranean. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said at a joint news conference with his Israeli counterpart Joav Gallant that the US is prepared to send additional forces and assets to the Middle East if necessary in addition to the carrier and ships. According to CNN, Washington is preparing for the possible deployment near Israel of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit consisting of more than 2,000 Marines capable of supporting large-scale evacuations and humanitarian aid. According to the TV channel, the unit is currently aboard the USS Batan.