AMMAN – The skies over Jordan turned tense as Iranian missiles came roaring toward a key US air base. When the barrage was over, several American warplanes had been hit, including A-10 that reportedly suffered severe wing damage and eight F-15s left with lighter damage.
Iranian missiles have reportedly punched through US defences at a key American air base in Jordan, damaging multiple warplanes and exposing growing pressure on Washington’s military assets in the region.
The latest escalation came after Iranian forces launched a ballistic missile barrage against Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, a strategically important US installation near Jordan’s Azraq, following a US strike on five Iranian tankers.
Reports said an A-10 Thunderbolt II suffered severe damage to its wing, while around eight F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets were hit by lighter damage. Despite the damage, the F-15s were reportedly considered serviceable and returned to operational duty.
The attack, which took place on September 8 Eastern Time, marked another major confrontation between Iranian and US forces as tensions continued to spiral across the region.
US Military Hardware faces damage
The attack reportedly involved scores of Iranian ballistic missiles, forcing US and Jordanian forces to launch a large defensive response. More than 30 Patriot interceptor missiles were reportedly fired to counter the incoming Iranian weapons.
No US personnel were reported killed in the latest attack. However, the damage to American aircraft represents a significant blow to US military equipment deployed at one of Washington’s key regional airpower hubs. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) subsequently claimed that its forces had successfully struck US aircraft at the base. The aircraft damage was initially reported by CBS News, while US Central Command had not immediately commented on the reports.
Among key losses was an A-10 Thunderbolt II, the heavily armoured US attack aircraft popularly known as the “Warthog.” Sources said the aircraft suffered a direct hit that resulted in severe damage to its wing. Meanwhile, approximately eight F-15E Strike Eagles sustained comparatively minor damage. The fighter jets were nevertheless reportedly judged capable of returning to service.
Muwaffaq Salti Air Base has emerged as a critical hub for US air operations in the Middle East. Dozens of American aircraft are reportedly stationed or operating from the facility, making it an important component of Washington’s regional military posture. Located near Azraq, the base has faced repeated Iranian attacks since the conflict began in February.
In July, an Iranian missile attack on the installation killed three US Army soldiers, showing the growing danger faced by American forces operating from the facility.
The latest assault therefore shows another serious challenge to the security of the base and the US aircraft deployed there.
US defensive response has raised another concern: the pace at which American air-defence and precision weapons are being consumed. US forces reportedly fired more than 30 Patriot missiles during the attack to protect the Jordanian installation.
The heavy use of Patriot interceptors in a single engagement has intensified concerns about the depletion of US missile stocks, while officials are also facing questions over supplies of other precision-guided munitions needed to sustain prolonged military operations.
Iran claims missile strike on US base in Jordan in retaliation to attacks on oil tankers
