Iran war: What has been hit so far – and the military assets in play
Iran War: Assessing Damage and Strategic Forces
Hostilities between the US and Iran have persisted for four consecutive days, with Israel joining the fray after the initial strikes that eliminated the nation’s top leader. As tensions escalate, Sky News has compiled a detailed analysis of the attacks and the military resources involved in the region.
Operation Epic Fury and Targeting Leadership
Operation Epic Fury commenced on Saturday, targeting Iran’s leadership in Tehran. The assault resulted in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, within his compound. Satellite maps now reveal the locations of these strikes, offering a visual breakdown of the conflict’s impact.
“The US and Israel deployed a range of precision-guided weapons during the operation,” said Nic Jenzen Jones, director at Armament Research Services (ARES). “This included air-delivered munitions like the AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW), Blue Sparrow-series ballistic missiles, and bombs of varying sizes—500, 1,000, and 2,000 pounds.”
Additionally, surface-to-surface missiles such as the Tomahawk-series and the Precision Strike Missile (PrSm) were utilized, according to Jenzen Jones.
Iranian Retaliation and Regional Targets
In response, Iran has launched drone and missile attacks across multiple countries, including Israel, the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, and Qatar. The US reported six military personnel killed, while a drone strike on RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus underscored Iran’s strategic reach.
The Sajjil missile, Iran’s longest-range weapon, can strike up to 2,000km (1,240 miles), as noted by the International Institute for Strategic Studies. This range extends to cities like Moscow and Athens, though it remains insufficient to reach the UK. The UK’s base in Cyprus is within range of several Iranian missile systems, including the Ghadr and Emad-1.
Strategic Bases and Aircraft Movements
Analysts at Jane’s Defence Weekly highlighted the significance of the US-UK joint base, which has become a focal point in the conflict. Sir Keir Starmer initially blocked its use for strikes on Tehran, but the war has emphasized its tactical value. Recent satellite imagery shows 14 planes stationed at the base, including six F-16 fighters and two P-8 Poseidon surveillance aircraft.
Flight data reveals a shift in US military aircraft traffic. Over recent days, 47 cargo and refuelling planes have traversed the region, with at least 15 passing through British bases. Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean hosted four of these flights, drawing attention due to its role in US operations and its historical link to the Chagos Islands dispute.
Meanwhile, US bases in Germany have seen a decline in aircraft presence. Since February 23, 161 planes have landed at Spangdahlem and Ramstein, but 246 have departed, resulting in a net loss of 52. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar also experienced a similar trend, with 20 more planes exiting than arriving.
Impact on Iranian Naval Assets
Satellite images capture the aftermath at two Iranian naval facilities. At Bandar Abbas, the primary naval headquarters, fires are visible at the military harbor. A burning ship, the Makran, is also noted in the footage. Analysts suggest this could indicate substantial damage, particularly as the Makran serves as a mobile base for the Iranian Navy.
Tracking data from TankerTrackers reveals the Makran is among six Iranian vessels monitored near Qeshm Island, within the Strait of Hormuz. The loss of such a key asset might weaken Iran’s maritime capabilities, though the extent of damage remains under assessment.
