US military assets in the Middle EastAn image taken and released by David Parody on February 20, 2026 shows the USS Gerald R. Ford transiting the Strait of Gibraltar. Below, AFP examines key US military assets deployed in or near the Middle East. It is accompanied by three destroyers, and when in position will bring the total number of US warships in the Middle East to 17. It is rare to have two of the massive warships in the Middle East at the same time. - Air defenses -The United States has also reportedly boosted its land-based air defenses in the Middle East, while the numerous guided-missile destroyers in the region provide air defense capabilities at sea.

Source: Bangkok Post February 20, 2026 22:51 UTC