Jordanian base hosting dozens of US planes in sharp uptick, NYT reports

A Jordanian military base is hosting dozens of US airplanes amid an American military buildup in the region, The New York Times reports.

The US military has been amassing forces in the Middle East as US President Donald Trump has threatened to attack Iran.

Citing satellite imagery and flight trackers, the Times reports that more than 60 attack aircraft, as well as at least 68 cargo planes, have landed at Muwaffaq Salti base, east of Amman, over the past week.

Situation at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan:

• ~ 18 F 35A Lightning II fighter aircraft
• ~ 6 EA 18G electronic attack jets
• ~ 24 F 15E Strike Eagle fighters
• An undetermined number of F 16 jets visible under hardened shelters the runway
• Air defenses deployed… pic.twitter.com/9q0JUWUzBj

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) February 21, 2026

The numbers are a sharp uptick from the craft that are usually parked at the base, with the number of attack craft there representing triple the usual figure, according to the Times. The report calls the base “a key hub” for American military planning.

The planes at the base include F-35 fighter jets, a change from the aircraft usually there. The base also has new air defenses, the Times says.

Jordan is one of several countries in the region that has barred attacks on Iran from its territory.