(BUSHEHR, IRAN) – Satellite imagery released in recent days shows damage at several Iranian and United States military sites following strikes linked to the escalating conflict between the two countries.
The images show the effects of attacks on Iranian naval and air bases as well as Iranian counter strikes against United States military installations in the Middle East.
One set of images shows the Bushehr naval facility in southern Iran. The site appears to function largely as a repair and maintenance base. Satellite imagery taken before the strike shows a mix of vessels at the location, including several light patrol boats and other smaller craft.
A patrol or landing craft undergoing repair was visible at the top of the facility, while a group of five light patrol boats were positioned nearby.
Images taken after the strike show several repair and maintenance buildings hit directly. Six separate impact points are visible, with each strike landing near the centre of warehouse structures. The damage suggests missiles penetrated the buildings before detonating.
The patrol boats that were previously visible near the warehouses appear to have been moved or scattered following the attack.
Further imagery of the same base shows another section where three small patrol boats had been positioned on dry land for repair or maintenance. Satellite images taken after the strike show that a nearby small facility was completely destroyed.
The patrol boats themselves appear to show damage marks, although analysts say they were likely struck by debris or shock waves rather than direct hits. A nearby civilian vessel appears to have capsised, possibly as a result of the blast wave.
Other satellite images show damage at Hamadan Air Base in western Iran. Craters are visible across the runways and taxiways, indicating strikes aimed at disabling the airfield.
The pattern of impacts suggests the strikes were intended to make the runways unusable and prevent aircraft from taking off.
The imagery was taken on 4 March, several days after the start of the United States operations against Iranian targets. While the images mainly show runway damage, analysts believe other infrastructure at the base may also have been targeted.
Satellite photographs also show strikes at Tabriz International Airport in north western Iran. The images indicate that runways and taxiways were also struck there, again appearing to prevent aircraft operations.
One image shows a destroyed aircraft on the runway, while another shows the remains of a fighter jet identified by analysts as an F5. Another aircraft visible in the imagery appears to be an F4 fighter jet.
Additional images show a destroyed building and two damaged hangars at the site. It remains unclear whether aircraft were inside the structures at the time of the strikes.
Satellite imagery also shows Iranian counter strikes targeting United States radar installations in several countries in the region.
One image from Qatar appears to show severe damage to an AN FPS 132 phased array radar installation facing Iran. Debris is visible around the radar structure and water runoff consistent with firefighting operations can be seen.
Analysts say the radar may have been struck by a low flying drone. If confirmed, the strike would represent a highly accurate attack on a critical air defence asset.
Reports cited by foreign policy analysts suggest that replacing an AN FPS 132 radar could take between five and eight years and cost more than one billion dollars.
Another radar system believed to be an AN TPS 59 installation in Bahrain was also struck earlier in the conflict. Analysts estimate that replacing such a system could take between twelve and twenty four months and cost between 50 million and 75 million dollars.
Satellite images also indicate a strike at Rafaal Salti Air Base in Jordan. The images show damage to an AN TPY 2 radar installation used by the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence system.
The radar forms a key part of the THAAD missile defence network designed to intercept ballistic missiles during the final stage of their flight.
The THAAD interceptor relies on kinetic impact rather than an explosive warhead to destroy incoming missiles. The United States operates eight THAAD batteries, each consisting of a launcher vehicle with six launch tubes, one radar and three control systems.
Further imagery shows strikes at another United States installation identified as Kani Fan air base. Satellite images show damage to several storage areas and buildings near taxiways.
One building that may serve as a repair facility or fuel storage site appears to have been struck directly. Another storage area shows heavy fire damage and several vehicles were visible nearby.
The most significant damage at the base appears to be at a radar area where five radar units were destroyed along with nearby structures.
Analysts say the pattern of Iranian strikes suggests a focus on radar installations and communications systems.
Military experts note that such attacks could reduce air defence coverage and increase vulnerability to further strikes.
Despite the damage reported on both sides, analysts say the imagery indicates that Iran has been heavily targeted while also attempting to disrupt United States operations through attacks on radar systems.
