- U.S. Central Command released video showing precision strikes that destroyed at least two Iranian Su-22 fighter jets parked at a military airfield.
- The strikes targeted grounded combat aircraft assessed as posing imminent threats, demonstrating continued U.S. precision operations against Iranian military assets.
United States Central Command released new video footage showing precision airstrikes against Iranian military targets, including the destruction of at least two Su-22 fighter jets positioned at a military airfield in Iran.
In a statement accompanying the video, U.S. Central Command said: “U.S. forces are taking bold action to eliminate imminent threats posed by the Iranian regime. Strikes continue.”
The video shows multiple precision-guided munitions striking combat aircraft parked in open revetments at what appears to be an Iranian military airbase. The strikes result in direct hits on at least two Su-22 fighter aircraft, both of which were destroyed following impact, based on visual evidence contained in the released footage.
U.S. Central Command did not publicly identify the specific airbase targeted or disclose the aircraft involved in carrying out the strikes. The operational status of the destroyed aircraft also remains unclear. Available imagery does not confirm whether the Su-22 jets were on operational alert or stored in a non-flying condition at the time of the attack.
According to the command’s release, the footage was published to demonstrate ongoing precision strike operations conducted against military objectives. No additional operational details, timelines, or strike package information were provided.
Iran’s inventory of the aircraft is limited. As of 2024, open-source defense assessments indicated that Iran operated up to seven Su-22M4 aircraft along with at least one Su-22UM3K trainer variant. These aircraft represent legacy platforms retained in smaller numbers within Iran’s tactical aviation structure.
The Su-22 is the export version of the Soviet-designed Su-17, the first variable-sweep wing fighter aircraft produced by the Soviet Union. Designed during the Cold War, the aircraft allowed pilots to adjust wing geometry in flight, enabling improved performance at both low speeds during takeoff and landing and higher speeds during strike missions. The Soviet Union, which developed the aircraft, no longer exists, but several operators have continued using upgraded variants decades after production ended.
Primarily configured for ground-attack missions, the Su-22 was built to deliver bombs, rockets, and guided munitions against battlefield targets. Although considered outdated compared with modern multirole fighters, the platform can still conduct strike and training roles where maintained.
Precision strikes against aircraft on the ground typically aim to reduce sortie generation capability by eliminating airframes before they can be launched. Targeting parked aircraft can limit an air force’s ability to sustain operations without requiring direct aerial engagement.
U.S. Central Command oversees American military operations across the Middle East, including air and maritime security missions and responses to emerging threats. The command regularly publishes strike footage when operations are assessed as suitable for public release after security review.