Increase in refuelling and surveillance planes detected
Feb 27 (Reuters) — Satellite images captured a surge in U.S. military support aircraft at Prince Sultan Airbase in Saudi Arabia over four days in February, as Washington reinforced its regional presence amid tensions with Iran.
A high-resolution image taken on February 21 showed at least 43 aircraft at the base, compared with 27 visible on February 17. By February 25, the number declined slightly to 38. The base has hosted U.S. forces for decades.
Imagery analysis identified 13 Boeing KC-135 Stratotankers and six Boeing E-3 Sentry aircraft, known as AWACS, among 29 large swept-wing aircraft parked at the facility on February 21, according to forensic imagery analyst William Goodhind of Contested Ground. In contrast, a February 17 image showed 11 large swept-wing aircraft, based on a Reuters count.
The Pentagon declined to comment on the aircraft movements, stating it had “nothing to provide.” The U.S. military typically avoids discussing force deployments. Saudi Arabia’s government media office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Previously, Riyadh told Tehran it would not allow its airspace or territory to support military action against Iran. Meanwhile, Oman continued mediating indirect talks between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program. Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi said both sides made progress and plan to resume negotiations soon, with technical discussions scheduled next week in Vienna.
However, President Donald Trump warned on February 19 that Iran must reach a deal within 10 to 15 days or face consequences. Separate satellite imagery also showed Iran repairing and fortifying military sites, including one reportedly struck by Israel in 2024.
