U.S. Air Power Buildup at Diego Garcia Signals Strategic Posturing Near Iran

by Worthy News Jerusalem Bureau Staff

(Worthy News) — Satellite imagery has revealed a significant U.S. military buildup at the Diego Garcia air base in the Indian Ocean, suggesting heightened readiness amid rising tensions with Iran. The Pentagon declined to comment, but open-source intelligence analysts say the activity reflects increased aerial and naval capabilities at the key U.S. outpost, located over 2,000 miles from Iran’s southern coast.

Recent images analyzed by defense analyst MT Anderson show a deployment of additional KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling planes, F-15 fighter jets, and heavy bombers, including four B-52s and six B-2 stealth aircraft. The images also confirm the presence of C-17 cargo planes, reinforcing the base’s logistical capacity.

🇺🇸NSF Diego Garcia🇺🇸
4x B-52s still operating out of Diego Garcia

While resolution is too low for a positive ID, likely spot of 2-3x F-15s

7x Additional aircraft, likely to include KC-135, C-5M and potentially C-17

Src📷: @USGSLandsat
24 May 2025 pic.twitter.com/s26aaGm6CI

— MT Anderson (@MT_Anderson) May 27, 2025

The timing of the buildup is noteworthy. While President Donald Trump has publicly committed to a diplomatic solution to Iran’s nuclear ambitions, he has warned of potential military action if talks fail. Iran, meanwhile, continues to develop long-range missile capabilities and has threatened retaliation against U.S. targets should an attack occur.

Diego Garcia, which also houses U.S. Space Force operations and nuclear-capable submarines, is considered one of the Pentagon’s most strategically important overseas bases. Its relevance may grow as regional threats expand beyond Iran, including Houthi activity in the Red Sea and China’s increasing naval reach in the Indo-Pacific.

In a recent statement to Newsweek, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command spokesperson Cmdr. Matthew Comer emphasized the island’s security measures: “We have multi-layered defense systems on Diego Garcia that ensure the security and protection of our personnel and equipment.”

The base’s future was recently secured after the U.K. signed an agreement to transfer sovereignty of the broader Chagos Islands to Mauritius, while preserving U.S. military access to Diego Garcia. British officials say the deal ensures continued joint operations on the strategically vital island.

As the world watches Iran’s next moves and regional tensions escalate, Diego Garcia appears set to play a pivotal role in U.S. force projection across the Middle East and Indian Ocean.

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