The battle for air superiority over Tehran appears to be shifting dramatically as the United States and Israel intensify coordinated strikes on Iran’s air-defense network. Military analysts say the campaign has severely degraded the systems protecting Iran’s capital and key military infrastructure.

Iran’s Air Defenses Under Heavy Attack

Since the start of the conflict, U.S. and Israeli forces have reportedly targeted hundreds of Iranian air-defense systems, including radar stations, command centers, and long-range surface-to-air missile batteries. According to military assessments, more than 200 Iranian air-defense systems have already been destroyed or neutralized during the early phase of the war.

The destruction of these systems has allowed allied aircraft to operate more freely over parts of Iran. Reports indicate that even non-stealth bombers are now able to conduct strikes in certain corridors, suggesting that Iran’s air-defense shield has been significantly weakened.

Underground “Missile Cities” Become Targets

For decades, Iran invested billions in building underground missile bases—often called “missile cities”—designed to protect launchers and weapons from attack. But these facilities are now being targeted as missiles emerge from bunkers to fire. Satellite imagery shows destroyed launchers and damaged entrances to several of these underground bases.

Military experts say that while the bunkers themselves are difficult to destroy, the launchers become vulnerable the moment they leave the tunnels, allowing surveillance drones and aircraft to strike them quickly.

A $13 Billion Blow

Iran has spent enormous resources over the years building its layered air-defense network—buying advanced radars, missile systems, and command infrastructure to shield strategic sites like Tehran. Analysts estimate that the damage inflicted so far could represent tens of billions of dollars in lost equipment and infrastructure, including radar arrays, missile batteries, and launch facilities.

The destruction of these systems not only represents a financial loss but also a strategic setback, as air defenses are essential for protecting military bases, nuclear facilities, and leadership compounds.