Amidst Tensions With Iran, Diego Garcia Fills Up With Support Aircraft

At a time of increased risk of renewed high-end conflict with Iran, there appears to be an influx of US support aircraft into the Naval Support Facility airfield on Diego Garcia.

On October 2 the South Pan appeared to be almost empty of aircraft. But on October 24 there were at least at least 10 aircraft on the apron, which from the resolution of the imagery available in open sources appear to include a C-5 heavy transport, a C-40 VIP transport, at least two P-8 maritime patrol aircraft and at least four KC-135 refueling aircraft.

In previous times of tension, the airfield has been protected by F-16 fighter aircraft: although hard to spot, none appear currently to be present. There are no B-2 or B-52 long-range bombers present.

Nor is there an armada of warships moored in the lagoon; those present are part of the permanently-stationed Maritime Prepositioning Ship Squadron 2 (MPSRON-2).

This story was originally published by The Maritime Executive. Read the full story at The Maritime Executive →