US F-15E fighter jets arrive in Turkey's İncirlik Base

WASHINGTON – Anadolu Agency

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle departs RAF Lakenheath to support Operation Inherent Resolve, Nov. 12, 2015. Aircraft from the 48th Fighter Wing deployed to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, to conduct counter-ISIL missions in Iraq and Syria. This dual-role fighter jet is designed to perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions in all weather conditions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Erin Trower/Released)

The Pentagon has announced that the U.S. sent six F-15 E multi-role fighters to İncirlik Air Base in Turkey’s southern Adana province, increasing the number of F-15 fighter jets to 12. 

“Earlier today [Nov.12], six F-15 Es arrived at İncirlik Air Base in Turkey. These F-15 Es join our manned and remotely piloted aircraft already conducting counter-ISIL [Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant] missions from İncirlik, alongside Turkish F-16s,” Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook stated in a press briefing on Nov. 12. 

Cook announced on Nov. 10 that six F-15 C air-to-air fighters were sent to the air base on Nov. 6 in response to the Turkish government’s aid request in “securing the sovereignty of Turkish airspace.”

“Turkey’s role in counter-ISIL operations including the hosting of U.S. assets, participation in counter-ISIL air operations, cooperation to reduce the flow of foreign terrorist fighters, and support for the vetted Syrian opposition is critical to our collective efforts to bring stability to the region.” Cook added. 

Daily Hürriyet reported that Turkey demanded the two types of fighter jets to better combat Russian jets flying within Syrian territories, in case such an attack comes from Russian aircrafts.   

The F-15E Strike Eagles share a resemblance with the SU 30 type Russian fighter jets. F-15 E jets are also aimed to be used against ISIL targets.