Iran Reportedly Acquires Chinese Satellite for Military Surveillance
Iran has reportedly obtained a Chinese-built satellite, enhancing its ability to monitor and potentially target United States military installations across the Middle East during a recent conflict, according to a report published on Wednesday.
The satellite, identified as TEE-01B, was developed and launched by a Chinese firm. It was allegedly transferred to the Aerospace Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in late 2024, shortly after its deployment into orbit. The report cited leaked Iranian military documents outlining the acquisition and its operational use.
Satellite Used to Monitor Key Military Locations
According to the report, Iranian military officials instructed the satellite to observe significant United States military facilities in the region. The documentation reportedly included precise coordinates, orbital tracking data, and satellite imagery collected over a defined period.
The images were captured in March and appeared to show locations both before and after drone and missile strikes. These findings suggest that the satellite may have supported operational planning or post-strike assessment. However, independent verification of these claims has not been confirmed.
Meanwhile, several key organisations, including United States government agencies and Chinese authorities, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Companies linked to the satellite’s development and operation also remained silent.
Expanded Surveillance Through Ground Station Access
As part of the reported agreement, Iran was granted access to a network of commercial ground stations operated by a Beijing-based satellite services provider. This network spans multiple regions, including Asia and Latin America, and enables control and data transmission for satellites in orbit.
This access likely enhanced Iran’s ability to manage the satellite’s operations and process the imagery collected. Consequently, it may have significantly improved the country’s surveillance reach and intelligence capabilities.
Focus on Strategic Bases Across the Region
The satellite reportedly captured images of Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia over several consecutive days in mid-March. Around the same time, confirmation emerged that United States aircraft stationed at the base had been struck.
In addition, the satellite is said to have monitored other strategic locations. These included an air base in Jordan, areas near a naval facility in Bahrain, and an airport in Iraq. These observations coincided with reported attacks claimed by Iranian forces on installations in those regions.
The report indicates a coordinated effort to track and analyse military targets across multiple countries. However, without independent verification, the full extent and accuracy of these claims remain uncertain.
With inputs from Reuters