Multiple US Fighter Jets Damaged in 8 September Iranian Missile Strike on Airbase in Jordan

Iranian ballistic missiles struck the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan on 8 September, damaging multiple United States military aircraft, including an A-10 Thunderbolt II that suffered severe wing damage, CBS News reported.

The overnight barrage on 8 September targeted the air installation near Al-Azraq, marking an immediate regional escalation. Sources familiar with the matter confirmed that one American A-10 Thunderbolt II ground-attack warplane sustained heavy destruction that severed a wing, while approximately eight F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets suffered light damage. Technicians repaired the affected F-15s and restored them to operational status shortly after the assault.

Strategic Hub of Coalition Air Power in the Middle East

Located near the eastern city of Al-Azraq, roughly 100 kilometres east of Amman, the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base serves as a vital operational hub for American military activities across the Middle East. Named after Royal Jordanian Air Force pilot Muwaffaq Salti, who was killed in action in 1966, the expansive facility hosts the U.S.

Air Force’s 332d Air Expeditionary Wing alongside Jordanian air defense units. The airbase features dual parallel runways exceeding 3,000 metres in length, hardened aircraft shelters, and advanced logistical infrastructure capable of staging heavy bombers, transport planes, reconnaissance platforms, and frontline fighter squadrons.

Air Defenses Fire 30 Interceptors During 8 September Barrage

American and allied military units deployed heavy air defense networks as the missile salvo rained down on the installation late on 8 September. U.S. forces stationed at the base launched more than 30 Patriot interceptor missiles to engage the incoming Iranian projectiles.

Jordanian air defense batteries simultaneously engaged the threat over regional airspace. Official reports confirmed that Jordanian defensive systems successfully intercepted 18 of the 20 incoming ballistic missiles. Despite the structural impact on military aircraft, U.S. defense officials confirmed that no American service members were killed during the overnight strike.

Strike Retaliates Against US Offensive on Iranian Oil Tankers

The 8 September missile strike by Tehran came in direct retaliation for U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) strikes against five Iranian oil tankers earlier that same day.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the retaliatory attack, stating it launched heavy missile salvoes against the base hosting American air operations. Washington had targeted the Iranian vessels following repeated missile attacks directed at U.S. Navy warships patrolling regional trade corridors.

Classified Damage Assessment and Visual Reports

While official Pentagon damage imagery remains classified, satellite data and verified night-time video footage captured the air engagement over Al-Azraq during the 8 September attack.

Visual reports showed air defense trails and bright secondary flashes near the runways. Coalition engineers are inspecting flight lines and hangar facilities to ensure long-term operational capabilities at the strategic installation.