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Miami Herald
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Satellite Image Shows US Air Power Buildup at Island Base Near Iran
New satellite images showed U.S. forces increasing their air power at an Indian Ocean base that could be a staging point for any attack on Iran, according to an open source intelligence analyst. Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) for comment. Ongoing activity at the Diego Garcia airbase, a strategic operating location for both the U.K. and British armies, comes amid tensions with Iran over its nuclear program. Although nuclear talks continue, President Donald Trump has threatened military action if diplomacy fails to produce a new agreement on curbs that could prevent it obtaining nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, Iran has ramped up its military buildup, threatening U.S. targets in the region in the event of any attack. The U.S. Air Force has recently augmented its aerial refueling capabilities at Diego Garcia, deploying additional KC-135 Stratotankers to the strategic Indian Ocean base, according to satellite imagery shared by open-source intelligence analyst MT Anderson on X. A recent deployment of F-15 fighter jets adds to a growing U.S. military buildup at Diego Garcia, where four B-52 bombers and a contingent of six B-2 stealth bombers operate. In March, satellite imagery showed the deployment of C-17 cargo planes as well as KC-135 refueling tankers. The remote airbase, over 2,000 miles away from Iran, hosts Space Force operations and is a key port for U.S. Navy vessels, including nuclear submarines, and shelters a Sealift Command Prepositioning Ship Squadron. Tehran has yet to unveil a platform capable of reaching that range, but as a significant missile power, it continues to make strides in expanding long-range capabilities. The status of Diego Garcia has recently been in question and the subject of heated political debate with Britain signing an agreement last week to had sovereignty of the contested Chagos islands - of which it is a part - to Mauritius. Britain says that the agreement will ensure the future of the air and naval base and allow its contimued use by the United States. Commander Matthew Comer, Indo-Pacific Command spokesperson, told Newsweek earlier: "We have multi-layered defense systems on Diego Garcia that ensure the security and protection of our personnel and equipment." Beyond Iran, the continued U.S. buildup at Diego Garcia signals broader power projection with a potential view to threats in the Red Sea, activity by the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen and China's growing naval reach in the Indian Ocean. Related Articles Russia Attacks Trump's Golden Dome ProjectIran Unveils Next-Level Warfare Drones Amid Tensions With Show New US Missiles Sent to China's DoorstepIran Threatens Strike on Israel as US Talks Hang in Balance 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Satellite Image Shows US Air Power Buildup at Island Base Near Iran
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. New satellite images showed U.S. forces increasing their air power at an Indian Ocean base that could be a staging point for any attack on Iran, according to an open source intelligence analyst. Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) for comment. Why It Matters Ongoing activity at the Diego Garcia airbase, a strategic operating location for both the U.K. and British armies, comes amid tensions with Iran over its nuclear program. Although nuclear talks continue, President Donald Trump has threatened military action if diplomacy fails to produce a new agreement on curbs that could prevent it obtaining nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, Iran has ramped up its military buildup, threatening U.S. targets in the region in the event of any attack. Imagery captured on May 24, 2025, by U.S. Landsat satellites shows U.S. military aircraft positioned at an air base on the island of Diego Garcia, part of the British Indian Ocean Territory. Imagery captured on May 24, 2025, by U.S. Landsat satellites shows U.S. military aircraft positioned at an air base on the island of Diego Garcia, part of the British Indian Ocean Territory. Landsat/Sentinel Hub What To Know The U.S. Air Force has recently augmented its aerial refueling capabilities at Diego Garcia, deploying additional KC-135 Stratotankers to the strategic Indian Ocean base, according to satellite imagery shared by open-source intelligence analyst MT Anderson on X. 🇺🇸NSF Diego Garcia🇺🇸 4x B-52s still operating out of Diego Garcia While resolution is too low for a positive ID, likely spot of 2-3x F-15s 7x Additional aircraft, likely to include KC-135, C-5M and potentially C-17 Src📷: @USGSLandsat 24 May 2025 — MT Anderson (@MT_Anderson) May 27, 2025 A recent deployment of F-15 fighter jets adds to a growing U.S. military buildup at Diego Garcia, where four B-52 bombers and a contingent of six B-2 stealth bombers operate. In March, satellite imagery showed the deployment of C-17 cargo planes as well as KC-135 refueling tankers. The remote airbase, over 2,000 miles away from Iran, hosts Space Force operations and is a key port for U.S. Navy vessels, including nuclear submarines, and shelters a Sealift Command Prepositioning Ship Squadron. Tehran has yet to unveil a platform capable of reaching that range, but as a significant missile power, it continues to make strides in expanding long-range capabilities. The status of Diego Garcia has recently been in question and the subject of heated political debate with Britain signing an agreement last week to had sovereignty of the contested Chagos islands — of which it is a part — to Mauritius. Britain says that the agreement will ensure the future of the air and naval base and allow its contimued use by the United States. What People Are Saying Commander Matthew Comer, Indo-Pacific Command spokesperson, told Newsweek earlier: "We have multi-layered defense systems on Diego Garcia that ensure the security and protection of our personnel and equipment." What Happens Next Beyond Iran, the continued U.S. buildup at Diego Garcia signals broader power projection with a potential view to threats in the Red Sea, activity by the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen and China's growing naval reach in the Indian Ocean.
Newsweek
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Satellite Image Shows U.S. Bombers Massing As Iran Tensions Rise
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A new satellite image showed the U.S. has sent two additional U.S. B-52 bombers to its Diego Garcia airbase in the Indian Ocean, underscoring Washington's growing long-range strike capability near Iran as tensions persist despite another round of nuclear talks. Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and Iran's Foreign Ministry for comment. Why It Matters The images show the significant U.S. expansion of its military presence at the strategic airbase in the Indian Ocean, amid rising tensions with Tehran over its nuclear ambitions. That increases suspicions that the United States could be preparing for an attack on Iran if diplomacy fails. While President Donald Trump has expressed a preference for a peaceful resolution to the nuclear standoff with Iran, he has also warned that military action remains on the table. Iran has meanwhile threatened U.S. targets in the region in the event of any attack. This photograph captured on May 8, 2025, by the U.S.'s Landsat 8 satellite shows U.S. Air Force bombers and other support aircraft parked at Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia, a joint British-American air base in... This photograph captured on May 8, 2025, by the U.S.'s Landsat 8 satellite shows U.S. Air Force bombers and other support aircraft parked at Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia, a joint British-American air base in the British Indian Ocean Territory, or Chagos Islands. More U.S. Geological Survey What To Know Two more B-52 bombers are now stationed at Diego Garcia, based on a satellite image shared by open-source intelligence researcher MT Anderson on X, one day after he spotted the first two aircraft of the same type. This brings the number of bomber aircraft at the base to 10, including four B-52 bombers, based on satellite imagery and six B-2 stealth bombers, according to Reuters. The B-52H Stratofortress is a long-range bomber capable of carrying nuclear and precision-guided weapons, as well as wide-area maritime surveillance. It was known for its key role in the 1991 Desert Storm Operation against Iraq, according to the U.S. Air Force's website. B-2 stealth bombers and C-17 transport planes were also sent to the remote Indian Ocean base in March, after the U.S. launched an air campaign against Yemen's Houthi forces, which ended on Tuesday after a truce. Trump has said Iran cannot be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons. Tehran has said its nuclear efforts are civilian, not military, but has warned it "will have no choice" but to pursue nuclear weapons if it comes under attack. Iran has threatened to "open the gates of hell" if attacked by the United States or Israel. A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 23rd Bomb Squadron takes off during exercise Prairie Vigilance 25-1 at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, April 17, 2025. A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 23rd Bomb Squadron takes off during exercise Prairie Vigilance 25-1 at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, April 17, 2025. Kyle Wilson/ Force/DVIDS What People Are Saying U.S. President Donald Trump said in April: "I think if the talks are not successful with Iran, Iran is going to be in great danger. Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh said: "If war is initiated by the U.S. or Israel, Iran will strike their interests, bases and forces wherever they are and whenever necessary." U.S. Air Force: "In a conventional conflict, the B-52 can perform strategic attack, close-air support, air interdiction, offensive counter-air and maritime operations." What Happens Next A new round of nuclear talks is expected in Oman at the weekend and these could help determine whether there is still an opportunity for a diplomatic solution.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
B-52s Join B-2s On Diego Garcia, 10 Bombers Now At Indian Ocean Outpost
Satellite imagery indicates there are now 10 U.S. heavy bombers – six stealthy B-2s and four B-52s – on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. A key question now is whether the arrival of the B-52s, which occurred this week, will lead to the B-2s departing the highly strategic British island territory. Since they first deployed to Diego Garcia in March, the B-2s have been used in strikes against Houthi militants in Yemen, with which U.S. authorities recently concluded a ceasefire deal, and their presence has also been a huge show of force aimed at Iran. A low-resolution satellite image taken today, seen in the social media post below, appears to show the six B-2s and four B-52s. An array of other large aircraft, which could include KC-135 tankers, as well as C-5 and C-17 airlifters, are also visible. KC-135s arrived at Diego Garcia along with the B-2 in March, and C-17s have also been key to supporting that deployment. 10 US Air Force strategic bombers are at Diego Garcia as of to be seen is whether the B-2s will return to the States or stay for a while longer. — TheIntelFrog (@TheIntelFrog) May 8, 2025 Satellite imagery had already emerged yesterday that looked to show a pair of B-52s having touched down on the Indian Ocean island. This all also aligns with online flight tracking data that began emerging earlier in the week, which had pointed to the deployment of two separate pairs of B-52s from Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana to Diego Garcia. NSF Diego Garcia For those that have been watching, not surprised to see 2x B-52 bombers at Diego Garcia along with 6x KC-135, 6x B-2 bombers, 1x C-5 Galaxy and 1x unknownCaveats apply given resolutionSrc : @esa7 May, 2025 — MT Anderson (@MT_Anderson) May 7, 2025 #WAKE11 flt, a second pair of Barksdale B-52H heading to Diego Garcia, working San Francisco Radio HF 13288. — EISNspotter (@EISNspotter) May 6, 2025 While testifying before members of the House Armed Services Committee yesterday, U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Andrew Gebara, Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration, did say 'there's a Bomber Task Force of B-52s going on as we speak,' but did not name Diego Garcia or provide any additional details. The Air Force uses the term Bomber Task Force (BTF) to refer to irregular deployments of bombers to forward locations around the world, as you can read more about here. The last known B-52 BTF deployment, which saw four of the bombers head to RAF Fairford in the United Kingdom from Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, wrapped up in March. In response to questions about the B-52 deployment and whether the B-2s will now depart Diego Garcia, a U.S. defense official told TWZ that 'we have nothing to provide.' Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) 'routinely conducts global operations in coordination with other combatant commands, services, and participating U.S. government agencies to deter, detect and, if necessary, defeat strategic attacks against the United States and its allies. To preserve operational security, we do not discuss details about exercises or operations,' the command, which oversees the vast majority of America's B-52s and other bomber fleets, also told Air & Space Forces Magazine in a statement. Sending six B-2s to Diego Garcia in March was already a major show of force. This represents roughly a third of the 19 of these stealth bombers currently in operational Air Force service. Only a portion of the B-2 fleet is actually available for mission taskings at any one time, too. The B-2s are the Air Force's preeminent aircraft for prosecuting penetrating nuclear or conventional direct strikes deep inside heavily defended enemy territory. The stealth bombers also offer a unique conventional strike capability against deeply buried and otherwise hardened targets through their ability to drop 30,000-pound-class GBU-57/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) precision-guided bunker buster bombs. B-2s, each of which can carry a pair of MOPs on a single sortie, are the only aircraft currently certified to employ these weapons operationally. In April, U.S. officials told TWZ that, despite reports at the time, B-2s flying from Diego Garcia had not dropped MOPs on Houthi targets in Yemen. Since March, B-2s forward-deployed to the Indian Ocean island have conducted strikes targeting the Iranian-backed Yemeni militants using other still unspecified munitions. B-2s flying from their main operating base in Missouri had also struck the Houthis last October with a still unknown mix of weapons. Questions have emerged previously about the utility of employing B-2s, which are very expensive to operate and maintain, against a non-state group like the Houthis. At the same time, the Yemeni militants have demonstrated that they have air defense capabilities that present real threats. This, in turn, may have contributed to the use of stealthy aircraft like the B-2 and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, as well as a noted increase in the employment of air-launched stand-off munitions by non-stealthy U.S. aircraft. The Houthis have succeeded in downing an alarming number of U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drones. You can read more about what we know about Houthi air defenses in this recent TWZ feature. | The Houthis show footage from the shootdown of another U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Reaper I'm not mistaken, that would be the 20th MQ-9 downed by the Houthis from Yemen. — Status-6 (Military & Conflict News) (BlueSky too) (@Archer83Able) April 18, 2025 Yemeni Houthis (Ansar-Allah group) claim that they have shot down yet another (26th) US Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drone today (April 22, 2025) in the Al-Hajjah is the 7th Reaper shot this April (22nd in the recent war after Oct 7, 2023). — Mehdi H. (@mhmiranusa) April 22, 2025 As already noted, sending such a large number of B-2s to Diego Garcia had also sent signals well beyond Yemen, particularly to Iran. TWZ had highlighted the strategic messaging factor of employing the stealth bombers after the October 2024 strikes on the Houthis. Diego Garcia was used for years as a launchpad for bomber sorties against targets in Afghanistan and Iraq. The U.S. military has also previously sent B-52s to the Indian Ocean island amid heightened tensions with Iran in the past, though they do not offer the penetrating and GBU-57/B employment capabilities of the B-2. B-52s have dropped MOPs during testing, but are not cleared to do so on operational missions. B-52s can employ a wide range of other munitions, including AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) cruise missiles and smaller precision-guided bunker-buster bombs. It's interesting to note that Gebara also highlighted the value of having a mix of stealth bombers like the B-2s and the incoming replacement B-21 Raiders, and non-stealthy B-52s, at yesterday's hearing before the House Armed Services Committee. The Air Force's B-52 fleet is in the process of being massively upgraded and is expected to continue serving through at least 2050, as you can read more about here. 'The decision to go forward with the B-52 was a decision made several years ago in that we needed a high-low mix of capabilities,' he said. 'So, it would not be cost-effective to the American taxpayer to have all high-end, exquisite things when many missions could be done with the proverbial 'old truck' that's paid for and we just need to do some upgrades to it.' The current massing of the huge force of U.S. heavy bombers on Diego Garcia now does follow the announcement of a ceasefire deal between the U.S. government and the Houthis on May 6, which officials in Oman helped broker. There is already skepticism about whether the agreement will hold, especially given that the Iranian-backed Yemeni militants have pledged to continue their campaign against Israel. The Houthis say they will continue to target Israel until it stops its operations in the Gaza Strip, which first began in response to attacks launched by Palestinian terrorist groups in the enclave on Oct. 7, 2023. Israel, just this week, has conducted its own major airstrikes on Yemen's port of Hodeidah and the international airport in the country's capital Sanaa. Breaking: Israel just obliterated Hodeidah port, the largest port of Yemeni Houthis, with 50 massive bombs — Dr. Eli David (@DrEliDavid) May 5, 2025 Some of the first footage from tonight's unilateral strikes by the Israeli Air Force against Hodeidah in Houthi-controlled Western Yemen, which is reported to have heavily targeted a cement factory on the outskirts of the city as well as the Port of Hodeidah. — OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) May 5, 2025 The IDF published images of Houthi targets struck at Sanaa airport. — Joe Truzman (@JoeTruzman) May 8, 2025 The U.S. government is also currently engaged in negotiations with Iran, primarily over the latter country's nuclear ambitions. In recent months, President Donald Trump and other American officials have threatened direct action against Iran should those talks fall through, as well as over Tehran's continued support of regional proxies like the Houthis. 'I would much prefer a strong, verified deal where we actually blow them up … or just de-nuke them,' Trump said just yesterday during an interview with radio talk show host Hugh Hewitt. 'There are only two alternatives there, blow them up nicely or blow them up viciously.' Trump on Iran talks:"I would much prefer a strong, verified deal where we actually blow them up — blow them up or just de-nuke them. "There are only two alternatives there: blow them up nicely or blow them up viciously." — Jacob N. Kornbluh (@jacobkornbluh) May 8, 2025 'Message to IRAN: We see your LETHAL support to The Houthis,' U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also notably wrote in a post on X on April 30. 'We know exactly what you are doing. You know very well what the U.S. Military is capable of — and you were warned. You will pay the CONSEQUENCE at the time and place of our choosing.' Message to IRAN:We see your LETHAL support to The Houthis. We know exactly what you are doing. You know very well what the U.S. Military is capable of — and you were warned. You will pay the CONSEQUENCE at the time and place of our choosing. — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) May 1, 2025 There are reports that Hegseth's comments were among the factors that prompted Iran to pressure the Houthis into the ceasefire deal with the United States. Swapping out the B-2s for the B-52s on Diego Garcia could align with the current focus on diplomatic efforts, while still retaining additional heavy airpower assets for use in future operations targeting the Houthis or Iran. B-2s can and do perform non-stop global power strike missions from the United States, as was demonstrated in the strikes on Yemen last year, and the bombers could still take part in future operations in the region if called upon. Other factors, including the cost of sustaining a deployment of six B-2s on the Indian Ocean island, could also contribute to a decision to send the B-2s back to their home base following the arrival of the B-52s. The B-2 fleet has unique maintenance requirements, and some of the stealth bombers now at Diego Garcia could require work that cannot be performed at this kind of forward location. There is the possibility, though it seems less likely, that a combined force of B-2 and B-52 bombers will remain in place at Diego Garcia for the foreseeable future. Doing so could help step up pressure on Iran and its regional proxies like the Houthis. At the same time, the satellite imagery in hand now of the increasingly tightly packed conditions at the airfield on the island does underscore the limited infrastructure there, especially when it comes to enclosed shelters. The initial deployment of the B-2s in March had already highlighted the lack of shelters at Diego Garcia. This, in turn, had further fueled a heated debate over whether the U.S. military should be investing more in hardened aircraft shelters and other fortified infrastructure at key facilities globally, particularly airbases across the Indo-Pacific region, amid the possibility of a future high-end fight with China. Part of why Diego Garcia is so strategic is that its remote physical location has historically helped reduce vulnerability to attack, especially from smaller countries like Iran. However, the array of potential threats to the island, particularly from missiles and drones, continues to grow. You can read more about the hardened infrastructure debate and how it applies to Diego Garcia specifically in this past TWZ feature. For the moment, at least, 10 U.S. heavy bombers do look to be arrayed at the Indian Ocean outpost. Howard Altman contributed to this story. Contact the author: joe@
Miami Herald
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Satellite Images Show U.S. Carrier Operating Near Chinese Warships
National Satellite Images Show U.S. Carrier Operating Near Chinese Warships Sentinel Carl Vinson. This photograph captured by the European Space Agency's Sentinel-2 satellites on May 4 shows the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson in the Arabian Sea at 07:05:42 UTC. Copernicus/Sentinel Hub New satellite images showed a U.S. aircraft carrier operating near Chinese warships in the Arabian Sea as it carried out attacks against the Houthis based in Yemen. Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and the Chinese embassy in Washington D.C. for comment. Why It Matters The presence of U.S. and Chinese warships in close proximity in the Arabian Sea highlights the Middle East's growing role as a stage for the global power struggle between the United States and China, which it considers as its main adversary. What To Know The USS Carl Vinson was spotted in the Arabian Sea on Sunday less than 60 miles from two Chinese warships of the naval escort task force, new satellite images showed. The images, first shared online by open-source analyst MT Anderson, were taken 14 seconds apart and show the positions of the U.S. and Chinese vessels. Two American aircraft carriers are part of the increased U.S. military presence in the Middle East and Indian Ocean region to prevent a Houthi blockade on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and in case of a potential strike on Iran over its nuclear program. China has long been an economic powerhouse in the Middle East, with most regional states participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. However, its security role remains comparatively limited. Chinese naval drills in the Gulf of Aden took place last month, involving a frigate and a supply ship from its three-vessel escort task force. China also conducted its first joint air force exercise with U.S. ally Egypt in North Africa, which featured advanced fighter jets, radar aircraft, and aerial refueling planes. The United States recently accused a Chinese company with Beijing's backing of helping support attacks by Iran-backed Houthis on U.S. interests as it wages war on the militant group in Yemen. China said it had only been playing a positive role in the region. China is also watching the intensifying American naval operations against the Houthis for lessons, including the U.S.'s use of aircraft carriers and its defense against a range of threats, as it prepares for a potential invasion of Taiwan, experts told Newsweek. What People Are Saying Taehwa Hong, Eurasia Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute wrote in The Observer Research Foundation Indian think tank: "While it is no longer as deeply entrenched militarily in the Middle East as it used to be, Washington still remains the single most powerful political and military force in the region." Phil Yu, nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council's Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security:"The intensive and sustained dual-carrier strike group campaign against Yemen's Houthi rebels offers critical insights into contemporary naval power projection, especially in contested environments shaped by asymmetric threats." What Happens Next China's presence in Middle East waters could be another test for Washington and is likely to continue to expand. Related Articles 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC. This story was originally published May 6, 2025 at 7:34 AM.
