A pair of USAF F-35As came across a mobile Ground Based Air Defense (GBAD) system during a mission in the Middle East, director of the Air Force’s F-35 integration office has disclosed.
Two F-35A Lightning IIs fly in formation after receiving fuel from a KC-135R Stratotanker from the 28th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, May 15, 2019 at an undisclosed location. The 28th EARS maintains a 24/7 presence in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, supporting U.S. and Coalition aircraft in various operations in countries such as Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Keifer Bowes)
Although the pilots were able to obtain targeting coordinates of the system, it was decided not to take offensive action against it.
