TEHRAN, Iran, — Iran is continuing restoration work at its Eagle 44 (Oghab 44) underground airbase in southern Hormozgan province following at least three reported rounds of airstrikes against the facility in 2026. Satellite imagery captured by Planet Labs on September 29 shows that runway obstacles have been removed, a new taxiway section has been completed and further construction is underway.
Satellite Images Show Restoration Progress
Located in the foothills of the Zagros Mountains, approximately 100 miles (160 kilometres) northwest of the Strait of Hormuz, Eagle 44 is operated by the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF). Its underground tunnels and hangars are designed to shelter aircraft and other military equipment. The main runway measures approximately 2.7 miles (4.3 kilometres).
According to The War Zone, the latest imagery shows that the main runway, previously blocked by obstacles, is now clear. A new section of the western taxiway, including its concrete surface, has been completed. Work on the adjoining section is continuing, with compacted, stabilised soil laid but paving still unfinished.
Once completed, the second taxiway would provide another connection between the western underground hangars and the main runway. However, craters remain visible near the western tunnel entrances, while two support buildings remain destroyed and a third is damaged. Debris from damaged equipment has also been cleared from taxiway areas.
Base Was Targeted Multiple Times in 2026
Eagle 44 was targeted during the conflict that began on February 28, 2026, with further damage reported in late March and around July 15–16. Earlier imagery showed craters near the tunnel entrances, damage to surface infrastructure and obstacles placed along the runway.
The Pentagon and U.S. Central Command have not publicly identified Eagle 44 as a specific strike target, and Iran has not acknowledged attacks on the facility. The latest satellite imagery confirms visible surface repairs, but it does not establish the condition of the underground hangars or the equipment stored inside.
Iran Unveiled Eagle 44 in 2023
Iranian state media first presented Eagle 44 publicly in February 2023, showing F-4 Phantom fighter jets, drones and missile systems operating from the underground complex. Construction of the tunnel network began around 2013, while work on the main runway started several years later.
The restoration comes amid U.S. assessments that Iran's air force has suffered severe losses. U.S. Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper told Congress in May 2026 that Iranian air force combat sorties had fallen from between 30 and 100 daily before the campaign to zero. However, the current number and operational condition of Iran's remaining aircraft are unclear.
The latest imagery indicates that Iran is prioritising runway clearance and taxiway reconstruction at Eagle 44, although the extent to which the facility can resume full operations remains unknown.
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