Unveiling of 'Eagle 44': Iran's Underground Air Force Base Prepared for Su-35 Fighters and UAVs/Warplanes
In a move that signals increased strategic preparedness, Iran has introduced an underground airbase named 'Eagle 44' (Oghab 44) in the southern mountains of the country, less than 120 km from the Persian Gulf [1]. This fortified military complex, designed to accommodate Iran's newer generation fighter jets and serve as a rapid response centre, is a significant addition to Iran's air defense posture.
Located deep beneath rugged terrain and protected by thousands of tons of rock, Eagle 44 offers exceptional protection against advanced air strikes, including precision attacks, making it highly resistant to pre-emptive strikes that might aim to neutralize Iran's air power early in a conflict [1]. The base's critical taxiways and large tunnel exits allow for quick sorties, ensuring rapid deployment during crises, thereby increasing Iran’s ability to respond swiftly to aerial threats and maintain air operations despite enemy attempts to disable air assets [1].
Positioned near the Persian Gulf—a vital global shipping lane and geopolitical hotspot—the base enables Iran to project power, reinforce its air defense umbrella over key maritime routes, and serve as a deterrent against external military actions in the region [1]. Eagle 44, acting as a "silent guardian" during peace and a fortress ready for activation in conflict, signifies Iran’s strategic preparedness and complicates adversaries' calculus for any air campaign against it [1].
Notably, the US and Israel conducted their largest-ever joint exercise days before the introduction of Eagle 44, an event widely interpreted as a message to Iran amidst escalating tensions [2]. Iran has also taken exception to a recent drone strike on a military factory in Isfahan, charging Israel and promising revenge [3]. In response, Iran maintains more than 100 battle, reconnaissance, and attack drones at Drone Base 313, situated in the Zagros mountain range [4].
As part of its ongoing modernisation effort, Iran is expected to receive 2 batches of Su-35 fighter jets from its ally Russia in the coming months [5]. The base is capable of preparing and launching missions for these new fighter jets, further bolstering Iran’s air defense capabilities [1]. In light of the high risk of enemy attacks, Iran is planning to build more underground bases around the country [6].
On February 7, Iran introduced another underground tactical military base, with Eagle 44 being the latest addition to its arsenal. The base, large enough to accommodate fighter jets, was inspected by Major General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri, the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, and Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, the Army Commander [7]. The Iranian armed forces have also revealed a long-range airborne projectile 'Asif', intended for installation on Su-24 fighters [8].
In conclusion, Eagle 44 significantly upgrades Iran’s air defense capabilities by ensuring the protection and sustained operational readiness of its advanced fighter fleet in a highly secure and concealed environment. This development enhances Iran’s deterrence posture, complicates enemy targeting efforts, and strengthens its ability to conduct rapid retaliation in the increasingly tense security environment of the Persian Gulf region [1].
- The introduction of Eagle 44, an underground airbase in Iran, is a significant development in the finance and politics sphere, especially considering it's located near the strategic Persian Gulf, as it bolsters Iran's air defense capabilities and serves as a deterrent against external military actions.
- As part of its modernization efforts in the aerospace industry, Iran is expected to receive Su-35 fighter jets from Russia, and Eagle 44, with its critical taxiways and large tunnel exits, is capable of preparing and launching missions for these new fighter jets, further enhancing Iran’s air defense capabilities.
- The ongoing developments in Iran's military, such as the construction of additional underground bases and the unveiling of new projectiles like 'Asif', are closely monitored in the general news and war-and-conflicts sectors, as they signal increased strategic preparedness and challenge adversaries' calculus in the region.
