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
The US and Israel have escalated their strikes on Iran for a fourth consecutive day, with the operation resulting in the death of the country’s top spiritual leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Hostilities show no signs of abating, prompting Sky News to compile a detailed analysis of the attacks and the strategic forces involved.
Initial Strikes and Weaponry
Operation Epic Fury commenced on Saturday, targeting Khamenei’s Tehran residence. The US employed a range of precision-guided weapons, including air-launched missiles and bombs, according to Nic Jenzen Jones of Armament Research Services (ARES). These munitions encompassed the AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW), Blue Sparrow-series ballistic missiles, and bombs weighing 500, 1,000, and 2,000 pounds. Surface-to-surface missiles, such as the Tomahawk and Precision Strike Missile (PrSm), were also used, with some launched from maritime platforms.
“Preliminary analysis shows that the United States and Israel used a variety of precision guided munitions to strike Iran,” said Jenzen Jones. “These included air-delivered weapons such as the AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW), Blue Sparrow-series air-launched ballistic missiles, and various 500-, 1,000- and 2,000-pound-class bombs. In addition, surface-to-surface missiles were also fired, including sea-based Tomahawk-series missiles and the land-based Precision Strike Missile (PrSm).”
Iran has retaliated by launching drones and missiles at Israel, the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, and Qatar. The US confirmed six military personnel were killed in the crossfire, while a drone strike targeted an RAF base in Cyprus, underscoring Iran’s expanding reach.
Retaliation and Strategic Reach
Iran’s attack on RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus demonstrated its ability to strike beyond regional borders. The Sajjil missile, Iran’s longest-range projectile, can travel up to 2,000km (1,240 miles), sufficient to target Moscow or Athens. However, it still falls short of reaching the UK, though its presence near the UK’s base in Cyprus highlights potential threats.
Missile strikes have left visible damage at two Iranian naval bases. Fires erupted at Bandar Abbas, the Navy’s main hub, and the Makran, a large vessel serving as a mobile base, was seen burning in satellite images. Analysts note the Makran’s inoperability could weaken Iran’s maritime capabilities, as it is one of six ships tracked by Sky News using TankerTrackers data.
Airbase Movements and Base Importance
Satellite imagery reveals the strategic role of US-UK bases. At RAF Akrotiri, at least 14 planes, including F-16s and P-8 Poseidon spy planes, were stationed. Analysts from Jane’s Defence Weekly noted the UK operates only the P-8 models among these. Meanwhile, American airbases in Germany saw a notable exodus, with 246 planes departing Spangdahlem and Ramstein since February 23, a 52-plane reduction from arrivals.
Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, a likely Iranian target, also experienced a net loss of 20 aircraft. In contrast, bases in Kuwait, Israel, and Jordan have seen increased activity, reflecting shifting operational dynamics. The movement of planes through British facilities, including Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, has drawn attention, particularly due to Donald Trump’s criticism of the UK’s decision to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.