Iran's Strikes Targeted US Air Defenses First, Then Equipment, Analysis Finds

Iran's strikes on more than two dozen U.S. bases in the Middle East initially targeted early-warning systems before proceeding to damage aircraft and buildings, according to an Associated Press analysis. The AP verified damage to American targets using satellite imagery and spoke with regional officials.

Through August, more than 115 drone or missile strikes attributed to Iran or its allied militias damaged or destroyed structures on 26 military bases and other sites housing U.S. equipment. This strategy allowed Iran to clear the way for subsequent strikes on warehouses, troop housing, and other facilities.

The damage has significantly altered the U.S. military presence in the Middle East, with some regional officials indicating that many U.S. assets, including aircraft and air defense systems, have been moved out of the Persian Gulf. The extent of the damage raises questions about the effectiveness of American defenses in the region, particularly as the United States considers its response.

The AP's analysis provides insight into Iran's retaliatory strategy and the specific damage inflicted on U.S. bases during an eight-month period. This assessment goes beyond details previously released by the Pentagon's inspector general.

U.S. Central Command, responsible for Middle East operations, has declined to comment on specific damage, citing operational security. However, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated that U.S. forces and bases are well-protected and the military is stronger than ever.

Most Iranian attacks have occurred in Kuwait, though U.S. sites in Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have also been targeted. The deadliest known strike on U.S. troops occurred in Kuwait, where six soldiers were killed in a drone attack at Port Shuaiba on March 1.

Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait was hit at least 30 times, damaging or destroying at least 15 aircraft hangars, numerous warehouses, and 10 buildings near a residential area. Camp Buehring, also in Kuwait, sustained heavy losses, with most of its hangars rendered inoperable and troop gathering places, including its gym, garage, and dining room, suffering significant damage.

Raphael Cohen, director of the National Security Program at the RAND School of Public Policy, noted that modern warfare makes all militaries susceptible to large-scale, inexpensive drone attacks. He described the situation as a potential wake-up call for the United States.

Iran's initial strikes aimed at disrupting U.S. and allied radar systems, including at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait and Naval Support Activity Bahrain, as well as portable radars at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia and Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. N.R. Jenzen-Jones, director of Armament Research Services, stated that Iran prioritized key early-warning radars, which are costly and difficult to replace. One such radar in Jordan, believed to be one of only 13 in the Army's global inventory, was reportedly destroyed. Another radar in Qatar sustained significant damage.

Following the attacks on radar systems, Iran launched over 50 strikes on 18 locations with U.S. military equipment in the first month of the war, focusing on areas with aircraft. This included damage to refueling aircraft, communication systems, fuel bunkers, and troop accommodations. An Iranian strike on Prince Sultan Air Base in March damaged a Boeing E-3 Sentry surveillance aircraft and a CIA unit at the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh. A separate regional military official described extensive damage at the Saudi air base, including bombed-out barracks and mess halls.

Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE also experienced frequent strikes early in the war, damaging infrastructure like aircraft hangars, as well as equipment such as an early-warning radar system and surveillance drones.

Major providers have delayed or blocked the public release of satellite imagery at the request of U.S. officials, citing national security risks. This has limited visual confirmation of damage. For instance, high-quality imagery of Camp Buehring was not available until late August, by which time over 30 structures on the base had been damaged or destroyed.

With no clear endgame in sight and the possibility of renewed hostilities, the conflict could signal a new operating environment for U.S. forces. Cohen suggested that the era of relying on fixed infrastructure, as seen during the global war on terrorism, may be over.