Satellite Images Show Increased U.S. Military Presence at Diego Garcia

As the temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran approaches its expiration on April 21, the United States has reinforced its military presence at the Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean.

Satellite imagery captured on April 17, 2026, shows an increase in the number of aircraft on the base’s apron compared with an image dated April 7. The images indicate the presence of eight additional aircraft, including a reconnaissance plane and at least three fighter jets, alongside four aircraft previously stationed at the site.

Based on approximate measurements of the aircraft visible in the images, and by comparing them with known U.S. military aviation assets, the aircraft are likely to include models such as the P-8 Poseidon, C-5M Super Galaxy, KC-135 Stratotanker, C-17A Globemaster III, as well as aircraft from the C-130 family.

On April 16, Misbar’s team tracked two U.S. military aircraft crossing Singaporean airspace toward the Indian Ocean before their tracking signals were switched off. One was identified as a KC-135 and the other as a C-17.

The aerial deployment coincided with the presence of naval assets at the base, which has been used as a launch point in the U.S. war on Iran.

A vessel docked at the base, with approximate dimensions ranging between 152 and 155 meters in length and 18 to 20 meters in width, is likely to be an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer.

In the island’s lagoon, another vessel appears, based on its dimensions and structure, to be a USNS Pililaau-class military transport ship. To its north, a naval asset is visible that is likely part of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) class.

This military buildup comes amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran in the Arabian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, as the temporary truce— which came into effect on the morning of April 8— approaches its scheduled end on April 21.

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