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 entered their fourth consecutive day, following an operation that claimed the life of the country’s supreme leader. Sky News has compiled data on the attacks from both sides, offering insight into the strategic assets involved in the region’s escalating tensions.
Israel joined the assault, conducting over 100 air strikes in three days that eliminated several high-ranking Iranian military figures. The US initiated Operation Epic Fury with a series of strikes targeting Iran’s leadership, including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in his Tehran residence. Satellite maps reveal the locations of these strikes, providing a visual overview of the conflict’s footprint.
“Initial assessments indicate the US and Israel deployed a range of precision-guided munitions during their strikes on Iran,” said Nic Jenzen Jones, director at Armament Research Services (ARES). “These included air-launched weapons such as the AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon, Blue Sparrow-series ballistic missiles, and bombs varying in weight from 500 to 2,000 pounds.” He further noted: “Surface-to-surface missiles, including Tomahawk-class sea-based variants and the land-based Precision Strike Missile (PrSm), were also used.”
Iran has responded with counterattacks, deploying drones and missiles against Israel, the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, and Qatar. The UK confirmed the loss of six military personnel, while a drone strike targeted RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, underscoring its capability to strike key installations.
The Sajjil, Iran’s longest-range missile, can reach up to 2,000km (1,240 miles), according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies. This range allows it to threaten Moscow or Athens but falls short of enabling strikes on the UK. The UK’s base in Cyprus lies within range of both the Sajjil and other Iranian missile systems like the Ghadr and Emad-1.
Strategic Assets in Use
Flight tracking data highlights the movement of 47 US military cargo and refuelling aircraft as they operate between the Middle East and Europe. At least 15 of these planes passed through British bases, including four that flew through Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. The base has been a focal point of recent debate, with Donald Trump previously criticizing the UK’s plan to transfer control of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
Analysts from Jane’s Defence Weekly noted that the UK does not manage the aircraft models visible at the base, except for the P-8 Poseidon. Meanwhile, US air bases in Germany have seen a significant reduction in aircraft numbers, with 246 planes departing compared to 161 arriving since February 23. Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base also experienced a net loss of 20 planes, positioning it as a potential target for Iranian retaliation.
Impact on Key Infrastructure
Satellite imagery captures the aftermath of strikes at two Iranian naval bases. A fire is evident at Bandar Abbas, the main hub for the Iranian Navy and a critical point for the Strait of Hormuz. Another ship, the Makran, is also visible in the image, likely damaged in the attack. The Makran, one of six Iranian vessels tracked by Sky News via TankerTrackers, is stationed near Qeshm Island in the strait.
Analysts suggest that if the Makran is rendered inoperable, it could weaken Iran’s naval capabilities. The C-5 Galaxy, the largest US transport aircraft, has been observed at the base, capable of carrying fighter jets and heavy equipment. As the conflict unfolds, the movement of military assets underscores the strategic importance of these locations in the broader regional dynamics.
