With its recent actions in the Middle East, which include two Bomber Task Force missions conducted in February, the United States has continued to demonstrate its commitment to regional security.

Bomber Task Force missions are routine deployments of long-range, strategic bombers to deter adversaries and assure regional partners of US commitments.

On February 20, two B-52s from RAF Fairford in the United Kingdom flew across six partner countries in the region, with one partner nation providing fighter escorts for the bombers, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said.

The mission, which included aerial refueling and training missions at ranges, demonstrated force projection capabilities and partner nation integration in the region, it said.

An earlier mission on February 18 saw another two B-52s flying from RAF Fairford through nine partner nations in the region.

The aircraft conducted aerial refueling and live munitions drops at ranges in several partner nations, escorted by US F-15 fighter jets and fighters from four partner nations, CENTCOM said.

Strengthening military ties

The recent missions, conducted with the participation of regional partners, come as the United States continues to deepen bilateral and multilateral defense partnerships across the Middle East.

On February 21 and 22, CENTCOM commander Gen. Michael "Erik" Kurilla visited Jordan. He met with chairman of the Jordan Joint Chiefs of Staff Maj. Gen. Yousef al-Huneiti and other key Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF) leaders.

"The leaders discussed the evolving security situation in the region, deepening the bilateral defense relationship between the US and Jordan, and further expanding the military-to-military relationship with the JAF," CENTCOM said.

The CENTCOM commander visited a drone production and training facility, and the leaders discussed innovation efforts and mass-production capabilities for unmanned aerial system (UAS) development, it said.

Kurilla, who previously visited Jordan on February 4 and 5, said the kingdom continues to serve as a reliable strategic partner for peace and stability in the region and highlighted Jordanian efforts to support the Defeat-ISIS mission.

On February 3 and 4, Kurilla visited the United Arab Emirates and met with Emirati National Security Advisor Sheik Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Lt. Gen. Issa Al Mazrouei.

Topics of discussion included "their shared interest in defense innovation to include artificial intelligence and technology," CENTCOM said.

"They also discussed strengthening military-to-military ties between the two countries, such as continued joint exercises to improve interoperability and readiness, as well as efforts to secure shared economic prosperity."

Between February 9 and 20, CENTCOM hosted the International Maritime Exercise 2025, the region's largest multinational maritime exercise.

The 12-day drill involved 5,000 personnel from more than 30 nations and international organizations committed to preserving the rules-based international order and strengthening regional maritime security cooperation.