Tehran: Iran has unveiled its first underground air force base dubbed 'Oghab 44' (translates to eagle). It is capable of housing fighter jets armed with long-range cruise missiles, bombers, and drones.
Official news agency IRNA released photos that showed air force personnel and US-built F-4E Phantom II fighter bombers acquired before the 1979 revolution. The exact location of the base has not been made public. State media said it is "at the depth of hundreds of metres under the mountains."
A report in Forbes said the state media's emphasis on jets in the air base being armed with long-range cruise missiles "strongly suggests that the Islamic republic plans to use its older fighter jets to destroy close targets in event of an attack." According to Al-Jazeera, the unveiling is aimed at showcasing Iran's aerial military capabilities in response to a joint drill carried out by the United States and Israel less than two weeks ago.
The US and Israel used aircraft, naval vessels, troops, and artillery systems in the drill to send a message to Tehran.
Iranian Armed Forces Chief of Staff Major General Mohammad Bagheri told Forbes: "Any attack on Iran from our enemies, including Israel, will see a response from our many air force bases, including Eagle 44."