Iran Expands Secret Underground Air Base Despite Attacks
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Iran is actively repairing and expanding its secret underground "Eagle 44" air base despite multiple attacks during the war with the U.S. and Israel. New satellite images show ongoing construction of taxiways and runway clearing, though two support buildings are destroyed and the interior of the mountain complex is unconfirmed. The base, designed for aircraft and drones, was reportedly hit at least three times, but Iran continues to invest in its restoration and other underground military sites.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Iran is expanding its secret underground "Eagle 44" air base despite being attacked multiple times.
- New satellite images show ongoing construction of taxiways and runway clearing at the base.
- Two support buildings at the base remain destroyed, and the interior condition is unknown.
- The base, designed to store fighter jets and drones, was reportedly attacked at least three times.
- Iran is also repairing other damaged underground military facilities across the country.
New satellite imagery reveals that Iran is continuing to repair and expand its secret underground "Eagle 44" air base, also known as "Neshir 44," located in the southern part of the country. The base, carved into a mountain, was reportedly attacked at least three times during the war with the United States and Israel. Despite the damage, construction work is ongoing, with new taxiways being built, debris cleared, and four tunnel entrances appearing intact.
The satellite photos, taken on September 29, show that a new section of a taxiway has been completed, and another is under construction. The main runway also appears clear of obstacles that were previously placed to prevent landings. However, two support buildings remain destroyed, and the condition of the facility's interior is unknown. The base is designed to store fighter jets, drones, and potentially missiles, but there is no current evidence that it has returned to operational readiness.
Eagle 44, situated in Hormozgan province, was revealed to the public in February 2023. It was built to protect aircraft and other military assets from aerial attacks. The facility includes a main runway over 4 kilometers long, connected by taxiways to four tunnel entrances within the mountain. Iranian state media previously showcased F-4 Phantom fighter jets and drones at the base.
According to an analysis by The War Zone, the base was targeted in at least three separate attack phases since February. While initial low-resolution images in March did not show significant external damage, a later attack in late March revealed more substantial damage, including craters near tunnel entrances and a destroyed building. The aim of these attacks appeared to be severing the underground complex from the runway, potentially hindering the deployment of aircraft stored inside.
Despite the ongoing repairs to taxiways and clearing of debris, the extent of the damage to the tunnel system itself remains unclear. The four main entrances appear intact from the outside, but their internal condition and accessibility are unknown. The article notes that Iran is also undertaking broader efforts to repair other underground military facilities damaged during the war, indicating a significant national investment in restoring its hardened military infrastructure.
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