Iran Continues Reconstruction of Underground Oghab-44 Air Base
Satellite imagery shows Iran is actively repairing and expanding the underground Oghab-44 air base in the south of the country, despite sustaining damage from multiple U.S. and Israeli strikes during the ongoing conflict.
Recent satellite imagery reveals that Iran is continuing to rebuild and expand its underground air base, Oghab-44, located in the southern part of the country. According to an investigation by The War Zone, the facility has been targeted at least three times during the ongoing conflict with the USA and Israel, yet construction work persists.
The Iranians have completed a new section of the aircraft taxiway, cleared obstacles from the runway, and removed debris from damaged equipment. Although the four entrances to the tunnel complex appear intact from the outside, two buildings remain destroyed, and the internal status of the facility is currently unknown.
Infrastructure Repairs and Ongoing Challenges
The base, designed to store fighter jets, drones, and potentially missiles, shows signs of logistical recovery, though there is no definitive proof that it has returned to full operational readiness. Satellite imagery from Planet Labs captured on September 29 indicates significant progress in paving and clearing transport routes.
The findings are particularly notable given repeated statements from officials in the Trump administration and the Pentagon asserting that the Iranian air force has been effectively dismantled. Nevertheless, Tehran continues to allocate resources to restore the mountain-carved base.
Strategic Importance and Past Strikes
Oghab-44, situated in Hormozgan Province near the Zagros Mountains, was first unveiled in February 2023. It features tunnels carved deep into the rock and a main runway exceeding four kilometers in length, designed to protect air assets from airstrikes.
Despite multiple strike rounds by U.S. and allied forces aimed at severing the connection between the subterranean hangars and the runway, reconstruction efforts underscore Tehran's resilience in maintaining its remaining military infrastructure across the country.
