Recent attacks by Iran have exposed significant vulnerabilities in the United States' global military base network, raising concerns about the viability of longstanding defense strategies. These assaults, primarily involving drones and missiles, have demonstrated that U.S. bases, once considered secure due to American air superiority, are increasingly susceptible to damage in conflict zones such as the Persian Gulf region.
The U.S. maintains approximately 750 military bases across 80 countries and territories, a global presence that has supported operations from the Gulf War through the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Historically, the assumption was that these bases would be protected by superior U.S. air power, allowing them to serve as staging grounds and supply hubs. However, recent engagements with Iran have challenged this premise.
According to a Department of Defense inspector general report, Iranian strikes caused extensive damage across multiple bases in countries including Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, and Jordan. The assaults destroyed or damaged hundreds of buildings and dozens of U.S. aircraft. The Naval Support Activity Bahrain, home to the Fifth Fleet’s headquarters, suffered critical damage when targeted on February 28, 2026, effectively putting the base out of commission. Senior Navy officials acknowledged the severity of the damage, with acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao stating the base was heavily compromised and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle indicating there are no immediate plans to restore full operations there.
The incapacitation of the Bahrain base forced reliance on the U.S. base at Diego Garcia, located some 2,200 miles away, to supply naval forces in the region. This logistical shift increased operational costs and reduced supply frequency, while eliminating safe port calls for deployed vessels. The strain on personnel was evident aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, which remained at sea for nine months, during which several crew members attempted suicide, highlighting the human toll of extended deployments under these conditions.
The broader implications are stark. Defense analysts warn that if adversaries with more advanced drone and missile capabilities, such as China, were to target U.S. bases in East Asia—including in Japan, South Korea, Australia, the Philippines, Guam, and Hawaii—the resulting disruptions could severely hinder America’s ability to project power in critical regions like Taiwan.
Addressing these vulnerabilities entails both active and passive defense measures. Passive defenses include building hardened shelters and bunkers for personnel, aircraft, and supplies. A comparison of base fortifications reveals a substantial gap: since the early 2010s, China has constructed over 3,000 aircraft shelters near Taiwan, while the U.S. has built only 43 shelters within 1,000 nautical miles of Taiwan, excluding South Korea.
Active defenses are also urgent, particularly cost-effective systems designed to counter the surge in cheap drone attacks. In response to Iranian drone strikes, U.S. forces have expended large quantities of expensive missile interceptors such as Patriots and THAAD, raising concerns about the sustainability of missile stockpiles critical for other strategic theaters and allies like Ukraine.
Expanding the U.S. drone fleet, especially with long-range unmanned systems capable of operating independently of nearby bases, is considered an essential element of future military strategy. Drones offer flexibility and reduce reliance on fixed bases and extensive supply chains, which were central to previous U.S. military doctrines.
The emerging threat environment necessitates a fundamental reevaluation of U.S. military basing strategy. However, some military officials caution that ongoing internal disruptions, including personnel changes under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, may complicate efforts to adapt to modern warfare challenges driven by drone technology. The need to balance political considerations with strategic innovation remains a pressing issue as the U.S. confronts evolving threats to its global military posture.