Overnight on Wednesday, Iran launched a ballistic missile strike on the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, damaging multiple US military aircraft and triggering a defensive response from American forces.
Two key developments emerged from the attack:
- An A-10 Thunderbolt II (Warthog) sustained severe damage, losing a wing after being struck by Iranian missiles. The aircraft is valued at approximately $20 million.
- Eight F-15 fighter jets also sustained light damage but were returned to service following repairs, according to reports.
Immediate Response and Damage Assessment
US forces deployed more than 30 Patriot missiles in defense of the base, intercepting incoming threats. Jordanian authorities reported that 18 of 20 Iranian missiles were intercepted by Jordan’s air defenses, with the remaining two landing in unpopulated areas. No casualties among US or Jordanian personnel have been reported.
Video footage circulating online showed multiple explosions over the base, identified as the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base. The night-time footage depicted bright flashes illuminating the area, consistent with missile impacts and defensive intercepts.
Context Surrounding the Strike
The attack followed hours after former US President Donald Trump issued a warning to Iran during a speech in Dallas, Texas. Trump stated, ‘We notice there’s a little activity at Pickaxe. I would advise Iran not to get cute because we will have to hit them very hard.’ The Pickaxe Mountain site is suspected by US officials to be a key facility for uranium enrichment in Iran’s nuclear program.
Iran’s Claims and Regional Tensions
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed the attack targeted eight tankers and two warships, including the US base in Jordan. Iranian state media released footage purportedly showing missile launches toward Jordan.
The strike occurred amid escalating tensions between the US and Iran, including a recent US military operation targeting five Iranian oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman and Persian Gulf. US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that American forces struck four crude oil carriers in the Gulf of Oman and a fifth vessel near Kharg Island. The operation followed repeated Iranian missile attacks on a US Navy warship, which evaded the incoming fire and continued its patrol.
Military and Strategic Implications
US military officials have previously expressed concerns over dwindling stockpiles of Patriot missiles and precision munitions, which have been heavily used in recent engagements against Iranian-backed forces. The damage to aircraft and the defensive response highlight the ongoing strain on US military resources in the region.
Jordan’s Role and Statements
Jordan confirmed that its air defenses intercepted the majority of incoming missiles, emphasizing that the remaining projectiles landed in uninhabited areas. The Jordanian government did not report any civilian or military casualties as a result of the attack.
Background on Affected Aircraft
- The A-10 Thunderbolt II (Warthog) is a ground-attack aircraft designed for close air support. Its loss of a wing indicates severe structural damage.
- The F-15 fighter jets are among the most advanced in the US Air Force inventory, capable of air superiority and multi-role operations. The light damage sustained by these aircraft suggests they remain operational after repairs.
Ongoing Investigations
US military officials have not yet provided a detailed assessment of the full extent of damage or the long-term operational impact on the affected aircraft. Further updates are expected as investigations continue.