Iran had built underground bunkers and ‘missile cities’ for years to protect its large missile stockpile. But now this strategy seems to be backfiring in the ongoing war with America and Israel. Aircraft and drones of both the countries are continuously monitoring these bases and are attacking them as soon as the missile launchers come out. After heavy bombardment at many places, missiles and launchers are left stuck inside the bunkers.
Signs of devastation in satellite photos
Many Iranian missiles and launchers are seen destroyed in satellite photos taken in recent days. These attacks were carried out near the entrances to underground bases, which Iran calls ‘Missile City’. According to the report, several targets located near the southern city of Shiraz have been attacked several times. Apart from this, bases around Isfahan, Tabriz and Kermanshah were also targeted.
Most missile bases are built underground
According to analysts, almost all of the dozens of missile bases that have been attacked are underground. However, there are buildings, entrances and roads above them, due to which it becomes easy to identify them in satellite images.
Iran had shown the largest underground facility
In March 2025, Iran released a video claiming that it had built its largest underground missile facility. In the video, trucks carrying missiles were seen parked in long tunnels. However, the location of that hideout was not made public.
Arrangement for firing missiles from underground at some targets
A base near the Khormuz area of ​​southern Iran is estimated to have nine such underground silos, from where the missile can be fired directly from underground. These silos are actually like deep pits dug in the slopes of the mountain, which have been built in the direction of the Persian Gulf.
Changed strategy due to technical difficulties
Experts say that Iran has given up the idea of ​​firing missiles from underground silos in most places. The reason for this is technical problems, because once used, these silos are difficult to use again.
Some weapons were taken out before the war
There is a possibility that before the war started, Iran may have taken out some of its missile launchers and missiles from the bunkers and spread them at different places, so that they could be protected from attacks.
What is America-Israel’s strategy?
America and Israel are targeting these bases because Iran has a large number of underground bases and a limited number of bunker-buster bombs that can reach deep underground and destroy them. Therefore the strategy is to target the missile launchers as soon as they come out.
Reduction in missile attacks
Israeli and American officials say that since Saturday the number of ballistic missiles and drones being fired by Iran has decreased. One reason for this is believed to be the attacks on launch sites and military structures. However, it is also possible that Iran is conserving its missile stockpile for a long war.
Different estimates regarding Iran’s missile stockpile
There are different estimates about how many missiles Iran has. According to the Israeli military, Iran had about 2,500 missiles before the war, while some analysts believe that this number could be as high as 6,000.
