08:01 17-04-2026

Iran Air Force Survives Strikes via Underground Bases

Fars Media Corporation, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Iran’s air force remains largely intact despite strikes, thanks to underground bases like Oghab 4. Decoys and hardened shelters limited damage significantly.

In recent days, military aviation activity has once again been observed over Iran. Aircraft spotted in the skies included MiG fighters, American-made F-4 Phantom jets, and Mi-28NE attack helicopters. This comes despite earlier claims by representatives of the Israeli-American coalition that the country’s air fleet had been effectively destroyed-assertions that now appear to be overstated.

According to RG.ru, the strikes primarily targeted outdated aircraft nearing the end of their service life, as well as decoy assets deliberately placed on concrete surfaces to mimic operational equipment.

A decisive factor in preserving Iran’s aviation capabilities has been its extensive underground infrastructure. Particular attention has been drawn to an airbase in the south of the country known as Oghab 4. Images of the facility were published on VKontakte by military expert Yuri Lyamin, who specializes in Iranian armed forces.

The base first became publicly known in 2023, when footage of its interior was released. The scale of the complex is striking: even large aircraft appear relatively compact within its cavernous spaces. For instance, the F-4 Phantom II-with a length exceeding 19 meters, a wingspan of nearly 12 meters, and a height of around 5 meters-occupies far less room than one might expect.

The facility also houses Su-24MK bombers, which are even larger. These aircraft measure over 24 meters in length, with a wingspan approaching 18 meters and a height exceeding 6 meters.

Reports indicate that Israeli and American forces did attempt strikes on these installations. However, the attacks appear to have had little visible impact. Even the entrance tunnels remained largely intact, a fact confirmed by satellite imagery dated April 8.