Iran war: What has been hit so far – and the military assets in play
Iran War: What Has Been Hit So Far – And the Military Assets in Play
Hostilities between the US and Iran have extended into their fourth day, with the US and Israel conducting strikes that resulted in the death of Iran’s supreme leader. The conflict shows no signs of slowing, as Sky News has compiled a detailed overview of the attacks and the key military assets involved in the region.
US Launches Operation Epic Fury
Operation Epic Fury commenced with a series of strikes targeting Iran, culminating in the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at his Tehran residence. The assault marked a significant escalation, with the US employing a range of precision-guided weapons to hit critical infrastructure.
“The US and Israel utilized various precision munitions, including air-delivered weapons such as the AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW), Blue Sparrow-series ballistic missiles, and bombs of multiple weight classes,” said Nic Jenzen Jones, director at Armament Research Services (ARES).
Complementing these strikes, Israel launched over 100 aerial attacks in three days, eliminating numerous high-ranking Iranian military figures. The coordinated efforts have intensified the regional tension, with Iran retaliating through drone and missile strikes.
Retaliation and Strategic Targets
Iran has responded by targeting multiple allies, including Israel, the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, and Qatar. The UK reported six military personnel killed in the conflict, while a drone strike on RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus demonstrated Iran’s reach. The base, located on the island, remains within range of Iran’s Sajjil and Ghadr missiles, according to defense analysts.
The Sajjil missile, with a maximum range of 2,000km, could potentially strike Moscow or Athens. However, it falls short of reaching the UK, highlighting the strategic limitations of Iran’s arsenal. Analysts noted that the UK’s involvement in the conflict has drawn attention to its bases, such as Diego Garcia, which has hosted over 15 US planes in recent days.
Air Base Movements and Imagery
Satellite maps reveal the shifting dynamics of military operations. US air bases in Germany, like Spangdahlem and Ramstein, have seen a net loss of 52 aircraft since February 23. Meanwhile, bases in Kuwait, Israel, and Jordan have accumulated planes, suggesting a strategic realignment of forces.
At least 14 aircraft, including six F-16 fighter jets and two P-8 Poseidon planes, were stationed at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. The base, however, experienced a notable exodus of 20 planes, raising concerns about its vulnerability to Iranian counterattacks. Sky News tracked the Makran, Iran’s largest naval vessel, at Bandar Abbas, a critical hub for the Iranian Navy and the Strait of Hormuz.
Satellite imagery captured fires at Bandar Abbas’s military harbor and the Makran, indicating potential damage to Iran’s naval capabilities. Analysts from Jane’s Defence Weekly emphasized that the UK operates only the P-8 Poseidon model among the aircraft seen at the base, while the US’s C-5 Galaxy, the largest transport aircraft, is capable of carrying heavy military equipment and fighter jets.
Regional Impact and Future Outlook
As the conflict progresses, the strategic value of joint US-UK bases has become apparent. Sir Keir Starmer initially resisted allowing the base to be used for strikes on Tehran, underscoring the political stakes. The ongoing bombardment and retaliation continue to reshape the battlefield, with both sides leveraging their assets to assert dominance in the region.
