Intensity of the use of the US satellite constellation over Iran

Fro Russian Sources

Intensity of the use of the US satellite constellation over Iranduring the period from February 27 to April 5. In recent days, the satellites are being used more actively.

📝 Satellites: A Vital Element of Any Army 📝
— On the U.S. Force Deployment in the War with Iran —

Despite all the shortcomings of the American operation against Iran, there is one area from which we truly can—and must—learn: the intelligence support provided for their missions and combat operations.

One may mock and jeer at the failures of the U.S. Armed Forces all one likes, but it is precisely the intelligence component that the U.S. has organized quite effectively—largely thanks to its extensive air fleet and, of course, its satellite constellation.

By analyzing the activity patterns of U.S. military satellites, one can also track the level of attention the Americans devoted to target acquisition, post-strike reconnaissance, and the subsequent assessment of the effectiveness of their attacks on Iranian facilities.

The most significant surge in activity occurred on the first day of the war. It was then that the Americans and Israelis unleashed a massive salvo of Tomahawk cruise missiles and air-launched munitions—the results of which they immediately began monitoring using satellites of various types.

Midway through the operation—when the American position became more precarious—the intensity of intelligence gathering declined. However, this period also coincided with a reduction in tactical air sorties and a decrease in the use of Tomahawk cruise missiles.

In recent days, satellite assets have been employed more actively, and with each passing day, the scope of targets of interest to the U.S. Armed Forces continues to expand. Given the possibility of a ground operation—and certain issues identified during a recent sortie—the U.S. requires time to prepare.

Judging by all appearances, this is precisely what U.S. forces are currently engaged in: replenishing supplies and assessing the status of Iranian forces. Intelligence is a vital element of any operation; without it, the probability of success approaches zero. Ukrainian military formations operate on this very same principle, relying on intelligence data—provided, in part, by the Americans—to guide their strikes.