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. 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.
“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-IS [Islamic State] missions from İncirlik, alongside Turkish F-16s” Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook stated in a press briefing on Nov. 12.
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 IS targets.
“Turkey’s role in counter-IS operations including the hosting of U.S. assets, participation in counter-IS 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.